When talking about the greatest rivalry in NBA history, one, in particular, always comes to mind, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
They might finally be having some competition for the top spot though, as Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob believes the rivalry between Stephen Curry and LeBron James is right up there with Magic and Bird.
“They (Magic and Bird) had the college rivalry, which, you know, really transferred over to the NBA, so that really did revolutionize the whole NBA,” Lacob said. “I think we all understand that, right? So I don’t know, it’s hard to compare them. But this is big, this is right up there and it’s not over because LeBron apparently can go on forever, right? I don’t get it. And maybe Steph can, for all we know. I hope so. But it’s a huge rivalry. This is our fifth time playing LeBron. We’ve had a pretty good track record. It’s epic. I mean, what else can you say? It’s just flat-out epic.”
Joe Lacob describes the Steph-LeBron rivalry as "epic" pic.twitter.com/yWLHdVds2R
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) May 3, 2023
Bird and Magic did revolutionize the NBA and many, including Isiah Thomas, believe their rivalry saved the NBA. The league was not in a great place in the 1970s and their battles on the court elevated the NBA to another level. The two would face off in the NBA Finals in 1984, 1985, and 1987, with Bird winning the first one while Magic won the last two.
James and Curry, meanwhile, faced off in the NBA Finals every year from 2015 to 2018, with Curry coming out on top on three occasions. The fifth installment might be going LeBron’s way though, as he and the Los Angeles Lakers won Game 1 117-112 on the road.
Stephen Curry vs. LeBron James Is The Greatest Rivalry Of This Generation
While one can debate forever on if their rivalry is the greatest ever, what isn’t up for debate is that it is unquestionably the greatest of this generation. These two have faced off on the big stage more often than anyone else over the last 20 years and Lakers head coach Darvin Ham also believes this is the best rivalry of the generation.
What makes it even more special, is that just like how there was so much respect between Bird and Magic, these two have a lot of respect for each other as well. LeBron stated before the series that he has the utmost respect for Curry and the feeling is very much mutual.
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