- LeBron James is in the GOAT debate, but is he easily a better legend than Stephen Curry?
- Curry has changed the game to what we see today, a testament to his greatness
- A career comparison must include only the major accolades between 2010 and 2023
LeBron James and Stephen Curry, names that evoke awe, inspiration, and a sense of unbridled excitement, have become synonymous with basketball greatness. As the years unfolded from 2010 to 2023, the years in which Curry was in the league, their careers have woven a narrative that is as intricate as it is awe-inspiring. Not to mention, the rivalry between the two stars has been the major talking point in the modern era.
The sporting universe has long been captivated by the dynamic rivalry between these two stars, each possessing a unique set of skills and an unwavering commitment to excellence. It is a rivalry that has ignited arenas, set social media abuzz, and left fans debating fervently late into the night. The electrifying dunks, the gravity-defying three-pointers, and the moments of sheer dominance have all combined to create a mosaic of greatness that defies easy comparison.
On the one hand, we have LeBron James, a basketball savant whose physical prowess, court vision, and versatility have redefined the boundaries of what a player can achieve. On the other hand, we find Stephen Curry, the human embodiment of a three-point revolution. With a flick of his wrist, he transformed the game, stretching defenses to their breaking point and ushering in an era where the three-pointer became the most potent weapon in a team’s arsenal.
As we embark on this journey of exploration and analysis, we shall traverse the statistical landscapes, relive the defining moments, and dissect the impact that LeBron James and Stephen Curry have had on the sport and its culture. Here is the career comparison between two of the most impactful players of all time from 2010 until 2023, when both LeBron and Steph were in the league at the same time.
Championships
LeBron James: 4 (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)
Stephen Curry: 4 (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)
Since 2010, the championships won by LeBron James and Stephen Curry have been a focal point of their respective careers. Their successes on the grandest stage of the NBA have solidified their places among the basketball elite.
LeBron James has secured a total of four NBA championships since 2010. The King led the Miami Heat to back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. He returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers and delivered the franchise’s first-ever championship in 2016, completing a historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors. LeBron then joined the Los Angeles Lakers and led them to the championship in 2020, marking his fourth title. That means James managed to win four rings with three different franchises.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry has clinched a total of four NBA championships since 2010. The best shooter in the world, Curry was a pivotal force in leading the Golden State Warriors to a dynasty, securing championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. Curry was the star of the team, but Kevin Durant’s shocking decision to join the Warriors meant it was a forgone conclusion Curry would win the 2017 and 2018 championships.
LeBron James and Stephen Curry have left an indelible mark, each contributing to their own unique legacies. LeBron’s versatility, leadership, and adaptability have led to titles across multiple teams, while Curry’s transcendent shooting and team-oriented play have revolutionized the game and ushered in a new era of basketball dominance. In terms of championships won, this one is even.
Advantage: Even
Finals MVP Awards
LeBron James: 4 (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)
Stephen Curry: 1 (2022)
The Finals MVP award is one of the most important achievements a player can win. LeBron James was the undisputed best player on the court for his four championships. Even if Anthony Davis led the regular season in scoring in 2020 or Kyrie Irving hit the biggest shot of the 2016 Finals in Game 7, LeBron was the Finals MVP each and every time. It is amazing how James can immediately become the best player for a franchise everywhere he goes because he is simply the most dominant figure in basketball today. Looking over his career, there was never a time when James was not the best talent on the floor for his side, especially in any of his NBA Finals appearances.
Stephen Curry, on the other hand, finally broke through and won his Finals MVP. The biggest accolade that the point guard was missing was this elusive award, but this isn’t the case anymore. Even when he was the best player on the team for the Golden State Warriors in 2015, it was swingman Andre Iguodala who won Finals MVP, averaging 16.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while playing excellent defense on LeBron James. But Steph did it in 2022, and there was no doubt he deserved it as he posted 31.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game.
But in the end, James has a massive edge in Finals MVP awards. There was never a time in which James won the title where he was edged in performances. Whenever James played well, his team won in the Finals, and that was a constant throughout his career. With four Finals MVPs to his name versus Curry’s number of one Finals MVP, there is a clear winner, and it goes to The King.
Advantage: LeBron James
MVP Awards
LeBron James: 3 (2010, 2012, 2013)
Stephen Curry: 2 (2015, 2016)
Stephen Curry was the first-ever unanimous MVP in 2016 by averaging 30.1 points and 6.7 assists per game. Curry led the Warriors to the best record in NBA history with a 73-9 record, and he solidified himself as the best shooter we have ever seen. But one year prior, Curry won the MVP for the Warriors and also the NBA title. He averaged 23.8 points and 7.7 assists per game for the Warriors, cementing himself as the best point guard in the NBA. But fast forward to the 2022 season, Curry has not managed to add another MVP award.
Ultimately, that gives the edge to LeBron James, and it isn’t close. Again, James has been the best player in the league, at least since the 2012 season when he won his first title, and he already had two MVP awards to his name before that season started. Even by only focusing on what James did starting in 2010, he outshines Curry’s entire career in terms of MVP trophies.
Advantage: LeBron James
Total Wins
LeBron James: 645 Regular-Season Wins, 146 Playoff Wins
Stephen Curry: 575 Regular-Season Wins, 99 Playoff Wins
From 2010 to 2023, LeBron James and Stephen Curry have continued to establish themselves as two of the most influential and successful players in the NBA. LeBron James’ 645 regular-season wins and 146 playoff wins exemplify his enduring impact on both the regular-season and postseason stages. His combination of size, skill, and versatility has allowed him to dominate various positions on the court, contributing not only as a scorer but also as a playmaker and defender. This period witnessed LeBron’s championship successes with the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers, solidifying his reputation as a player who elevates his team’s performance on the biggest stages.
On the other hand, Stephen Curry’s 575 regular-season wins and 99 playoff wins underscore his transformative influence on the game, particularly through his unparalleled three-point shooting. His unmatched shooting range and ability to stretch defenses have revolutionized offensive strategies across the league. The “Splash Brothers” era, alongside Klay Thompson, yielded multiple championships for the Golden State Warriors, further emphasizing Curry’s impact on his team’s success. His combination of ball-handling, shooting, and basketball IQ has not only redefined the point guard position but also established him as a generational talent.
Comparing their records over this period, LeBron James boasts a slightly higher regular-season win total, indicative of his consistent contributions over the years. Additionally, his higher playoff win count reflects his ability to elevate his performance when it matters most. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry’s remarkable three-point shooting and offensive innovation have translated into multiple championships and significant playoff wins, showcasing his impact on the postseason. Both players have left an indelible mark on the game, influencing playing styles, team dynamics, and the championship landscape, but James has the edge again.
Advantage: LeBron James
Statistics
LeBron James: 27.0 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 7.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Stephen Curry: 24.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG
In terms of individual stats, it is again very hard for Stephen Curry to even LeBron James, let alone pass him up. LeBron’s numbers are unbelievable across the board, as he has averages of better than 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists per game to go along with 1.4 steals and 0.7 blocks per game. The King is truly one of the greatest all-around players ever, and his stats prove that during the regular season. No matter where James went, he was always required to put up elite scoring, rebounding, and playmaking numbers.
Stephen Curry’s numbers are certainly solid, at over 24 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists per game, but he isn’t the all-around phenom that LeBron is. Curry is only 6’2”, so he is limited in what he can do on the court due to lack of size and muscularity. Meanwhile, James is a muscle-bound behemoth at 6’9” and 250 lbs, meaning a ton of things on the court come naturally to him. Curry has to use his speed and basketball IQ to get things done on the court, which makes it slightly more difficult.
Even when comparing playoff numbers, LeBron’s are more impressive than Steph’s. James has playoff averages of 28.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game while adding 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. That is truly incredible over the 222 games played. Meanwhile, Curry’s playoff averages stand at 27.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game over 147 games played. Once again, Curry’s numbers are impressive, but James’ is on another level.
Advantage: LeBron James
Which Superstar Had The Better Career From 2010 Until 2023?
In the end, it is LeBron James who has had a better career than Stephen Curry, even when taking The King’s career start in 2010. LeBron James possesses a more extensive and diverse career profile than Stephen Curry, substantiating his claim to a higher standing in the annals of basketball history. LeBron’s career, spanning from his early years with the Cleveland Cavaliers to his championships with the Miami Heat and his triumphant return to the Cavaliers, demonstrates his exceptional ability to impact every facet of the game. His physical prowess, versatility, and basketball IQ have allowed him to dominate multiple positions, excelling as a scorer, playmaker, and defender. As a result, he has better stats and more wins in the regular season and playoffs.
Furthermore, his consistent success has been underscored by his four NBA championships, demonstrating his ability to lead his teams to the pinnacle of basketball achievement. Beyond his individual accolades and 19 All-Star selections, James won more MVP and Finals MVP awards with a career spanning three different teams.
While Stephen Curry’s unprecedented shooting and offensive innovation have transformed the modern game, LeBron’s impact transcends statistical prowess. His well-rounded skill set, versatility, leadership, and ability to uplift his teammates have consistently made him the cornerstone of his teams. While both players have had an undeniable impact on the sport, LeBron’s career achievements, championship wins, and broader influence solidifies his position as one of the greatest players in basketball history and certainly a better player than Stephen Curry.
