Speaking on ‘NBA Countdown’ ahead of the Lakers–Warriors game, former Warriors GM Bob Myers explained the iconic relationship between Stephen Curry and LeBron James. Myers, who witnessed four Finals between the superstars, revealed how LeBron and Curry went from disliking each other to having mutual respect.
“LeBron and Steph, they didn’t have much of a relationship when they were going at it in the Finals. I think they’re friendly now. I think there’s a great respect,” said. Myers. “There may have been some dislike early, there was pettiness early and a little bit of I don’t know who he is, he’s trying to take what is mine.’ I think that’s all gone, I think they now look at each other as mutuals.”
LeBron and Curry were once fierce rivals after facing off in multiple Finals in a row and even Curry himself admitted that there was some pettiness and jealousy early on. As the leaders of two of the best teams in the NBA, the stakes were often high when LeBron and Steph faced off and it naturally created some serious animosity.
Of course, as Myers pointed out, the rivalries today are mostly dead and they pale in comparison to what we saw with Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. They had genuine hatred back then and it made their battles extra intense.
“I think what made Magic and Bird a little different was, that players now hug after the game, and they exchange jerseys. I don’t think they liked each other then.”
NBA “rivals” today are more likely to be friends than make enemies with each other and we’re seeing that play out with Curry and LeBron. At one point, they were the only thing standing in each other’s way of a championship and their battles led to many tough conversations over the years.
But after the heat of their encounters wore off, the NBA superstars slowly but surely learned to appreciate each other and how their careers changed the game. They have raved about each other in the past and During their experience at the Paris Olympic Games last summer, James and Curry got to play as teammates on the world stage for the first time ever.
Capturing the gold for Team USA was the ultimate experience for both players and they expressed amazement at watching the process of their former rival from a different perspective.
Unfortunately, it was probably the last time we’ll see the pair play together for the same team but they still have more stories to tell before it’s all said and done. This season, with the Lakers and Warriors both lurking in the West, LeBron and Steph will do everything in their power to secure a spot in the playoffs and make yet another postseason run.
If they happen to cross paths again, neither James nor Curry will be caught holding anything back — but don’t mistake their competitive spirit for any personal beef. Despite their past, the NBA superstars have tremendous respect for each other and they are friends more than anything else.
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