Stephen Curry and LeBron James spent four consecutive years trying to defeat each other in the NBA Finals, but the two superstars may soon find themselves on the same side. Curry, the Golden State Warriors guard, acknowledged Thursday that the franchise is among the teams interested in signing James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, who has announced he will leave the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency.
Speaking at the American Century Championship, Curry told reporters, «If LeBron says he wants to play for you, you move mountains to get him.» The comment effectively confirmed that the Warriors are in the mix of suitors for James, a scenario that seemed unthinkable just a few years ago when the two were locked in one of the league's fiercest rivalries.
Curry described the possibility of teaming up with James as a «pipe dream» until recently. «Up until probably two, three years ago, it was like a pipe dream question or even a thought, but that is a part of the allure,» Curry said when asked by Fox News Digital about playing alongside his former rival. He added, «For him going into his 24th season, me going to my 18th, the battles that we had, that would be such a unique story in NBA history, sports history. But a little premature right now to talk about it other than that.»
The rivalry between Curry and James defined a generation of basketball. From 2015 to 2018, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors met in the NBA Finals each year, with Curry winning three championships and James winning one. The 2016 Finals saw James and the Cavaliers complete the first-ever 3-1 series comeback in NBA history, a feat that remains one of the most dramatic moments in the sport. After that defeat, the Warriors signed Kevin Durant, and they went on to win the next two titles as James's supporting cast in Cleveland diminished.
James later moved to the Lakers, where he won his fourth championship in 2020. However, after nine seasons in Los Angeles, he has decided to leave the franchise. Reports indicate that James will base his decision on personal happiness rather than financial considerations, which could open the door for a move to Golden State.
The Warriors were initially considered one of the favorites to land James, but recent reports suggest they may be on the outside looking in. Still, Curry's comments indicate that the team remains interested. The two stars recently teamed up to win an Olympic gold medal in Paris, an experience that Curry said changed his perspective on what it would be like to play alongside James.
If James were to join the Warriors, it would mark a dramatic shift in the NBA landscape. The duo, who have combined for seven NBA championships and multiple MVP awards, would instantly become one of the most formidable pairings in league history. Curry, who is entering his 18th season, and James, who will begin his 24th, would bring a wealth of experience and leadership to a Warriors team that has struggled to return to championship contention in recent years.
The potential move also carries significant historical weight. Curry and James have been the faces of the NBA for much of the past decade, and their rivalry has been central to the league's narrative. Teaming up would not only reshape the Warriors but also alter the broader competitive balance of the league. Other teams, including the Cavaliers and the Miami Heat, are also reportedly in the mix for James, but the Warriors offer a unique opportunity to join a franchise with a proven winning culture and a roster that includes Curry, Draymond Green, and young talents like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody.
Curry's comments come at a time when the Warriors are looking to reload after a disappointing 2023-24 season. The team missed the playoffs entirely, and questions about the future of the franchise have lingered. Adding James would not only boost the Warriors' chances of returning to contention but also provide a compelling narrative for the league as a whole.
For now, Curry is cautious about speculating too much. «A little premature right now to talk about it,» he said, but the mere possibility of the two legends joining forces has already captured the imagination of fans and analysts alike. Whether James ultimately chooses Golden State or another destination, the conversation itself underscores the enduring impact of both players on the sport.