- LeBron James is in the GOAT debate for his incredible resume that spans two decades
- The Splash Brothers have changed the NBA and will be in the Hall of Fame together one day
- Is it possible that The King has a better career than the Golden State Warriors core combined?
Among the most famous and spectacular names in the NBA are LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Klay Thompson, three luminaries who have left an indelible mark on the NBA landscape over the past decade. While all three players have distinct styles and strengths, the question of who holds the superior individual career is a subject of avid debate among fans and analysts alike.
This article delves into the numbers, accomplishments, and impact of these legendary players, making a compelling case for LeBron James as the possessor of an individual career that transcends the combined achievements of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Through an examination of their statistics, accolades, and influence on the game, we endeavor to shed light on why LeBron’s career stands as a monument of individual excellence in comparison to the combined legacy of two of the game’s greatest shooters.
While it might sound crazy that a single player can have a better career than two future Hall of Famers combined, perhaps only LeBron James can manage to make this a truth. By focusing on team accolades, individual achievements, and statistical achievements, let’s find out if The King achieved more in his 20 years than Curry and Klay did in their combined 24 years.
NBA Championships
LeBron James: 4
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 4
LeBron’s championship journey has been marked by his ability to lead and adapt to various teams. He has secured four NBA championships (2012, 2013 with the Miami Heat, and 2016, 2020 with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers, respectively).
What sets LeBron apart is his transcendent ability to impact all aspects of the game, from scoring and playmaking to defense and leadership. No matter where he has gone, he has won a ring.
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, referred to as the “Splash Brothers,” have been integral to the Golden State Warriors’ recent championship successes. The duo has secured four NBA championships together (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022), showcasing their remarkable three-point shooting prowess and offensive chemistry.
Curry’s ability to revolutionize the game with his deep shooting range and off-ball movement, combined with Thompson’s exceptional shooting accuracy, have made them a dynamic duo and a cornerstone of the Warriors’ success.
LeBron’s individual brilliance and leadership are central to his four championships, while Curry and Thompson’s partnership and unique skill sets have propelled them to multiple titles as well.
Both narratives demonstrate the multifaceted nature of basketball greatness, where individual excellence and collaborative synergy contribute to championship achievements in their distinct ways. Since both Curry and Klay won four together, they have equaled LeBron James’ total in this team accolade.
Advantage: Even
NBA Finals
LeBron James: 10
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 6
LeBron’s remarkable consistency has led to a staggering ten Finals appearances (2007, 2011-2018, 2020, and 2021), showcasing his unparalleled ability to lead his teams deep into the playoffs. His presence in the Finals reflects not only his individual greatness but also his influence on shaping championship-contending rosters. While his Finals record (currently 4-6) has been a point of discussion, his ability to lead a diverse range of teammates to the ultimate stage is a testament to his all-around skills and leadership.
Curry and Thompson’s partnership as the “Splash Brothers” has translated into three championships (2015, 2017, and 2018) with the Golden State Warriors. Their contributions as elite shooters have transformed the Warriors into an offensive juggernaut, a stark contrast to LeBron’s more versatile approach.
Their championships highlight their synergy, teamwork, and the importance of their unique skill sets within a system that leverages their strengths effectively.
LeBron’s multiple Finals appearances underscore his consistent ability to navigate through the intense competition of the NBA playoffs. While his Finals record has varied, his mere presence in the Finals signifies his exceptional impact on his team’s journey.
For Curry and Thompson, their championships are emblematic of their roles within a team that revolutionized the game with its emphasis on three-point shooting and ball movement. Still, James had more Finals appearances than the Warriors duo.
Advantage: LeBron James
Finals MVP Awards
LeBron James: 4
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 1
LeBron’s Finals MVP awards reflect his ability to dominate in various facets of the game during the most critical moments. He has secured four Finals MVP awards (2012, 2013 with the Miami Heat, and 2016, 2020 with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers, respectively).
Even when playing with elite stars such as Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, and Anthony Davis, James has always won the Finals MVP when he has won an NBA championship as his tally of four ranks second all-time behind Michael Jordan.
While Curry and Thompson have been instrumental in the Golden State Warriors championships, their roles in the NBA Finals have been slightly different due to the dynamics of their team.
Curry has secured two regular-season MVPs (2015 and 2016) but has only earned one Finals MVP award out of four championship runs, despite his significant impact on the Warriors’ offense and culture. Of course, Klay was a sidekick and never had a chance to win the award.
LeBron’s multiple Finals MVPs underscore his ability to take over games on the biggest stage, making him a player who can carry his team’s fortunes in pivotal moments far more than Steph and Klay combined. Since Kevin Durant and Andre Iguodala won the Finals MVP awards, LeBron has the edge over the Warriors duo.
Advantage: LeBron James
NBA MVP Awards
LeBron James: 4
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 2
Analyzing LeBron James’ MVP awards in comparison to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson’s championships offers an intriguing perspective on individual recognition versus team accomplishments in the NBA.
LeBron has secured four regular-season MVP awards (2009, 2010, 2012, and 2013), showcasing his exceptional skill set and his ability to dominate in multiple facets of the game. James won the awards in back-to-back fashion with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, and he might have won more if the voting was done fairly without bias.
In terms of total MVPs, James has won the MVP award the fourth-most in history behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (6), Michael Jordan (5), and Bill Russell (5).
Meanwhile, only Curry has won two MVP awards as a member of the Warriors, while Thompson was a sidekick who never had a shot to win the regular-season trophy. In the 2014-15 season, Curry captured his first MVP award while averaging 23.8 points, 7.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game.
However, it was his remarkable three-point shooting that truly set him apart. Curry knocked down an astounding 44.3% of his three-point attempts while attempting 8.1 per game, showcasing his unprecedented range and accuracy.
In 2016, Curry won the MVP again by averaging 30.1 points, 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game. His three-point shooting remained astonishingly efficient, as he connected on 45.4% of his attempts while taking 11.2 per game.
As great as Curry’s MVP awards were, they pale in comparison to James’, and The King has another advantage in this comparison.
Advantage: LeBron James
All-Star Selections
LeBron James: 20
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 14
LeBron’s 20 All-Star selections (2005-2023) exemplify his status as one of the most dominant and enduring players in NBA history. His appearances span different eras of the league, showcasing his ability to adapt to changing playing styles and team dynamics.
His 20 straight All-Star selections are not only a reflection of his individual greatness but also his consistent leadership and impact on his teams. LeBron’s versatile skills, leadership qualities, and the respect he commands from peers contribute to his perennial All-Star status.
Stephen Curry’s nine All-Star selections (2014-2021) highlight his transformative impact on the game of basketball. His emergence as a generational shooter and playmaker has elevated the significance of three-point shooting in the modern NBA.
Klay Thompson’s five All-Star selections (2015-2019) underscore his importance as one-half of the Splash Brothers duo alongside Curry. His exceptional three-point shooting, combined with his defensive prowess, has established him as a key asset for the Golden State Warriors success.
As great as Curry and Thompson have been as All-Stars, their total appearances do not compare to LeBron James’.
Advantage: LeBron James
All-NBA Teams
LeBron James: 19
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 11
LeBron’s 19 All-NBA selections (2006-2023) underscore his status as one of the most dominant and versatile players in NBA history. His selections span various stages of his career, showcasing his ability to adapt his game and maintain a high level of performance.
These selections are indicative of his all-around skills, leadership, and his impact on his teams’ success. LeBron’s ability to excel in multiple facets of the game has consistently placed him among the league’s top players even as he approaches 39 years of age.
Stephen Curry has earned 9 All-NBA selections (2015-2023), reflecting his transformational impact on the sport. His contributions to changing the way the game is played—especially with his game-changing three-point shooting—have been recognized through these selections.
Meanwhile, Klay Thompson has garnered 2 All-NBA selections (2015, 2016), showcasing his vital role as a key player in the Golden State Warriors’ success during their championship runs. Thompson’s exceptional shooting and defensive skills, coupled with his contributions to the Warriors’ success, have earned him recognition among the league’s elite.
Once again, LeBron’s incredible longevity and ability to play at an elite level for so long means he has the advantage over Steph and Klay combined.
Advantage: LeBron James
All-Defensive Teams
LeBron James: 6
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 1
LeBron has earned five All-Defensive First Team selections (2009-2013) and a Second Team selection (2014), highlighting his versatility and ability to impact both ends of the court. These selections recognize his prowess as a two-way player capable of guarding multiple positions and making significant contributions defensively. James was certainly a better defender earlier on in his career, but still managed an impressive six total All-Defensive appearances.
Stephen Curry has never been a defensive stopper and has been somewhat of a liability with zero All-Defensive Team appearances, but Klay Thompson’s presence has helped that. Klay Thompson has secured two All-Defensive Team selections (2019, 2022), emphasizing his significant impact as a perimeter defender. His ability to guard some of the league’s best scorers while also contributing offensively highlights his value as a two-way player.
As solid as Klay Thompson is as a defender, LeBron James made more total All-Defensive Team selections than both Stephen Curry and his partner combined.
Advantage: LeBron James
Regular Season
Points
LeBron James: 38,652
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 35,868
LeBron’s remarkable total points scored reflect his enduring excellence as a scorer throughout his career over 20 seasons. His strong build, combined with his skill set, allows him to excel in different aspects of scoring, making him a constant offensive threat.
This past season, The King managed to break Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record and that feat proves that James should be mentioned among the NBA’s greatest scorers.
The combined total points scored by Curry and Thompson exemplify their status as one of the most prolific shooting duos in NBA history. Their exceptional three-point shooting and off-ball movement have revolutionized offensive strategies.
Curry’s ability to score from virtually anywhere on the court, combined with Thompson’s catch-and-shoot proficiency, have made them cornerstones of the Golden State Warriors success. But even as a duo, James has more total points combined than two elite offensive players due to longevity.
Advantage: LeBron James
Rebounds
LeBron James: 10,667
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 6,720
LeBron’s impressive total rebounds reflect his versatility and athleticism as a player. His ability to play multiple positions and his combination of size, strength, and agility allow him to contribute significantly to the boards. At 6’9”, James finds it easy to jump to grab boards, and his rebounding has often contributed to fast breaks and quick transitions, showcasing his all-around impact.
The combined total rebounds by Curry and Thompson demonstrate their roles as perimeter players and their focus on other areas of the game, particularly shooting and scoring. While not known for their rebounding, both players have made contributions on the boards, especially on the defensive end, to secure possessions. No surprise, James managed to grab more total rebounds than both Curry and Thompson.
Advantage: LeBron James
Assists
LeBron James: 10,420
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 7,407
LeBron’s impressive total assists highlight his exceptional playmaking skills and his role as a floor general. His ability to see the floor, read defenses, and deliver accurate passes has consistently made him one of the league’s top playmakers.
Beyond scoring and rebounding, his capacity to create scoring opportunities for teammates has been a cornerstone of his teams’ offensive strategies. In terms of playmaking, James has to be among the five greatest to have ever played, regardless of position.
The combined total assists by Curry and Thompson showcase their importance as guards who contribute not only to scoring but also to creating for teammates. While known for their shooting prowess, their playmaking abilities are often overlooked.
Curry’s exceptional ball handling and court vision, along with Thompson’s passing acumen, have enabled them to generate scoring opportunities for their teammates. However, neither player are remotely close to being on the same level as James as a playmaker, and this category isn’t a surprise either.
Advantage: LeBron James
Steals
LeBron James: 2,186
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 2,045
LeBron’s impressive total steals underscore his versatility as a defender and his capability to impact the game on both ends of the court. His combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ has enabled him to accumulate steals by reading passing lanes, intercepting passes, and using his defensive instincts effectively.
The combined total steals by Curry and Thompson highlight their roles as guards who actively participate in creating turnovers. Their quick hands, anticipation, and ability to pressure opponents have contributed to their defensive impact.
While not primarily known for their defense, their steals demonstrate their engagement on that end of the court and their commitment to contributing beyond scoring, but they still do not have as many as James.
Advantage: LeBron James
Blocks
LeBron James: 1,073
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 585
LeBron’s significant total blocks emphasize his multifaceted defensive prowess and his ability to impact the game as a rim protector. His combination of size, athleticism, and timing allows him to contest shots at the rim and alter opponents’ attempts.
Beyond his offensive and playmaking contributions, his shot-blocking ability has been a valuable asset to his teams, deterring opponents from driving to the basket and influencing their shot selection.
The combined total blocks by Curry and Thompson reflect their roles as guards with a focus on perimeter defense and shot contesting. While not traditional shot-blockers, their ability to disrupt shooters and contest shots has contributed to their defensive impact.
Due to the raw size and evidence of six All-Defensive Teams compared to a total of two, James has more total blocks over the regular season than Curry and Thompson.
Advantage: LeBron James
Wins
LeBron James: 924
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 1,062
LeBron’s substantial total wins reflect his influence in elevating his teams to consistent contenders. His leadership, playmaking, and scoring have translated to victories throughout his career.
Beyond his individual statistics, his ability to make teammates better and lead them in critical moments has been pivotal to his team’s success. His versatility allows him to impact various facets of the game, contributing to wins on both ends of the court.
The combined total wins of Curry and Thompson underscore their roles as essential components of a championship-caliber team. Their unique skills and partnership have transformed the Golden State Warriors into perennial contenders.
Curry’s revolutionary shooting and playmaking, along with Thompson’s sharpshooting and defensive contributions, have been crucial to the Warriors’ winning culture. No surprise, since the Warriors managed a 73-9 season and a lineage of winning, two stars managed more wins than LeBron alone, although isn’t by that much.
Advantage: Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson
NBA Playoffs
Points
LeBron James: 8,023
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 6,998
LeBron’s impressive playoff total wins underscore his status as one of the most dominant and impactful players in NBA postseason history. James has made the playoffs 16 times in his career, and he had the chance to accumulate points as much as possible. James had six playoff seasons averaging at least 30 points per game, and his lowest total came in 2021 when he posted 23.3 points per game.
The combined playoff total wins of Curry and Thompson highlight their contributions to the Golden State Warriors’ remarkable playoff runs. The duo made nine playoff seasons together and managed a little over 1,000 points less than James. Curry and Thompson have made a living being elite playoff performers, and their scoring total is impressive, even if it is less than The King’s.
Advantage: LeBron James
Rebounds
LeBron James: 2,549
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 1,412
Just as he did in the regular season, James used his size and athleticism to consistently crash the boards. His rebounding ability is a key asset in initiating fast breaks, controlling the tempo of the game, and generating second-chance opportunities for his team. James has a career average of 9.0 rebounds per game which is actually higher than his regular-season average of 7.5 rebounds per game.
The combined playoff total rebounds of Curry and Thompson reflect their roles as guards with a focus on perimeter play and shot-making. While not traditionally known for their rebounding, they contribute on the boards to secure possessions and initiate fast breaks. No surprise, James has more total rebounds than both Curry and Thompson.
Advantage: LeBron James
Assists
LeBron James: 2,023
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 1,263
LeBron’s ability to read defenses, make precise passes, and orchestrate the offense has been pivotal in his teams’ deep playoff runs. LeBron’s playmaking extends beyond individual statistics; it sets the tone for ball movement, generates open shots, and maximizes his teammates’ contributions. His playoff average of 7.2 assists per game is a notch under his regular-season average of 7.3 assists per game.
The combined playoff total assists of Curry and Thompson underscore their roles as guards who contribute to ball movement and playmaking. While known for their scoring, their ability to create shots for teammates is a crucial aspect of their offensive impact. Even if Curry is a point guard, he could not lead the duo to have more assists than James in the playoffs.
Advantage: LeBron James
Steals
LeBron James: 471
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 373
LeBron’s combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ allows him to read passing lanes, anticipate plays, and generate steals that lead to fast breaks and transition opportunities for his team. Competing in 16 seasons in the playoffs helped LeBron accumulate a large number of steals, even if he had to shoulder the responsibility of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking.
The combined playoff total steals of Curry and Thompson reflect their roles as guards who actively contribute to disrupting opponents’ offenses. Even if he is criticized for being an inconsistent defender, Curry holds a playoff average of 1.5 steals per game, while Thompson added in 0.9 steals per game. Still, LeBron has the edge in yet another category.
Advantage: LeBron James
Blocks
LeBron James: 270
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 129
LeBron’s substantial playoff total blocks emphasize his versatility as a defender and his ability to impact the game at the rim. Longevity certainly helps, but James has always been known to raise his game in the playoffs and that includes his defense. The King managed 270 total blocks which is more than double that of Curry and Klay.
The combined playoff total blocks of Curry and Thompson reflect their roles as guards who engage in shot contesting more than rim protection. While not traditional shot-blockers, Klay was at least an average threat to block shots but he could not block enough shots to overcome LeBron’s total.
Advantage: LeBron James
Wins
LeBron James: 182
Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson: 207
LeBron James has been one of the most iconic winners in the postseason. In his early days, James was able to lead the Cavaliers to victory and even make the NBA Finals in 2007. With the Miami Heat, he had four deep playoff runs between 2011 and 2014, and that helped him win a ton of games alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. With the Cavaliers, James had Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love by his side, and they had deep playoff runs. With 16 playoff appearances, LeBron managed 182 total wins.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have been incredibly impactful in the playoffs. Over nine playoff appearances, the duo has made six NBA Finals together, and even when taking each of their wins and doubling them as a duo, they only had 25 more wins in the playoffs. While that is impressive on the part of Curry and Klay, it is a greater testament to LeBron’s greatness even more.
Advantage: LeBron James
LeBron James Has A Better Career Than Stephen Curry And Klay Thompson Combined
Based on the ultimate career comparison and analysis of team and individual achievements, it is obvious that LeBron James has had a better career than both Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson combined. Firstly, James has played longer over his career. The King has managed to complete 20 seasons in the NBA and might have a few years remaining to keep boosting his resume.
Alternatively, Curry and Thompson completed a combined 24 seasons and still could not equal James in almost every category except wins. LeBron is clearly the better all-time scorer than both Curry and Klay combined, both in the regular season and playoffs. The King is also a better all-around player than both, as he stands 6’9” and 260 lbs with incredible playmaking skills.
As a result, James managed more points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks than both players combined. In terms of achievements, James has won more NBA titles, Finals MVPs, and MVPs than both Curry and Thompson combined. LeBron also had more All-Star, All-NBA, and All-Defensive Team appearances than Steph and Klay combined.
The only category that Curry and Thompson have an edge over James is total wins in the regular season and playoffs. The Warriors stars have had incredible success with the team, and by doubling most of their victories since they played with each other, they still have a minor edge over LeBron James.
That means there is no doubt LeBron James has had a stronger resume with more achievements than Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson combined. The King is in the GOAT conversation because of his incredible longevity, with 20 regular-season campaigns completed and 16 playoff runs with three different teams. Considering James isn’t done yet, there might be more evidence coming that the core of the Golden State Warriors dynasty cannot compete with what The King has done in the league.
