LeBron James and Stephen Curry, two of basketball’s most iconic figures, might still join forces despite their storied rivalry. With James approaching the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers and Curry under contract with the Golden State Warriors until 2027, the possibility of a partnership remains alive as the Warriors continue to explore this intriguing option.
These two players have clashed frequently on the biggest stages, highlighted by four intensely competitive NBA Finals between 2015 and 2018. Though their paths have mostly been separate, there is ongoing speculation about a future collaboration that could offer fans a memorable finale to their illustrious careers.
Marc Stein recently highlighted this possibility, writing,
“I believe that the Warriors, who have shown an interest in acquiring James dating to the February 2024 trade deadline some 18 months ago, will remain in the mix if James ever does reach the point that he’s looking for a last hurrah elsewhere,”
—Marc Stein, NBA Insider
This interest reportedly dates back to the February 2024 trade deadline and continues as James evaluates his next steps. A potential arrangement in 2026 involving a veteran minimum contract from James could allow the Warriors to maintain other key players, such as Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler, while bringing James into the fold in a complementary role.
Early Support and Enduring Rivalry Between Two Legends
Long before their NBA rivalry became headline news, LeBron James was an early admirer of Stephen Curry’s talent. During Davidson’s remarkable 2008 NCAA Tournament run, Curry’s 33-point performance caught James’s attention, even though they did not meet at that time. The following year, after Curry scored 44 points in a Charlotte game, the two finally connected, sparking a bond that foreshadowed their future encounters.
Curry recounted this moment, saying,
“I came back to the game that night, and after the game, [James] came out of the locker room with a jersey. It said, ‘The king of basketball in North Carolina,’”
—Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors star
This early mutual respect developed into one of the most iconic rivalries of the 2010s, filled with intense competition and moments that captivated basketball fans worldwide. Despite fierce battles on the court, James and Curry have maintained a strong friendship and mutual admiration off the court.
The Potential Impact of a James-Curry Collaboration
While a joint venture between LeBron James and Stephen Curry remains speculative, the persistent interest from the Golden State Warriors indicates it is more than just wishful thinking. If the two do team up toward the end of their careers, it would likely generate significant excitement and offer a thrilling chapter for NBA fans.
This potential partnership could also affect the balance of power in the league, reinvigorating one of basketball’s most storied franchises and contributing to a memorable farewell tour for two future Hall of Famers. The Warriors’ willingness to explore this scenario signals their intent to remain competitive while embracing historic opportunities.
As James nears the conclusion of his Lakers tenure and Curry continues his leadership in Golden State, basketball enthusiasts will be watching closely to see if this extraordinary duo will finally unite on the same roster, combining their skills and experience for one last remarkable run.