LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and Steph Curry from the Golden State Warriors, two of the most storied figures in NBA history, showcased remarkable teamwork during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Their collaboration helped lead Team USA to a gold medal, reinforcing talks about a possible NBA merger between the two basketball icons. This Olympic chemistry has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike, sparking optimism about the future possibilities for these athletes as they approach the final chapters of their careers.
James and Curry, who had previously faced off in four consecutive NBA Finals between 2015 and 2018—where Curry’s Warriors won three titles—used their deep competitive history and mutual respect to power Team USA’s success. Their ability to join forces on the international stage effectively reignited the conversation surrounding a potential team-up in the NBA.
James and Curry Lead Team USA’s Charge in Paris
In Paris, both players stood out as top scorers for Team USA, with Curry averaging 14.8 points over the tournament and James closely following at 14.2 points per game. Curry’s standout moments included scoring 60 points combined in the semifinal against Serbia and the final versus France, establishing his dominant offensive role. Meanwhile, James earned tournament MVP honors by not only contributing scoring but also leading the squad with 8.5 assists and 6.8 rebounds per game.
Their seamless interplay on the court reignited speculation about joining forces in the NBA, a scenario that generated considerable buzz through the summer. ESPN analyst Bobby Marks lent further credibility to these rumors by discussing a possible pathway for their partnership during an NBA Today segment, highlighting summer 2026 as a key moment to watch.
Is there a realistic path for LeBron James and Stephen Curry to team up? @BobbyMarks42 says to keep an eye on the summer of 2026 pic.twitter.com/LcWKZfHxiX— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) August 13, 2024
The Anniversary of an Olympic Triumph Brings Reflections and Renewed Friendship
Despite their ongoing separation in the NBA, with Curry remaining a Warrior and James a Laker, the pair have publicly celebrated their shared Olympic achievement. On the first anniversary of Team USA’s victory over France, Curry posted 19 photos from their Olympic experience on Instagram, expressing pride in their accomplishment and gratitude for the lifelong memories created.
James responded enthusiastically to the post, highlighting their bond beyond competition with a simple exclamation of support, keeping the public aware of their strong friendship.
A year ago, today. We did that! Loved hooping with my guys, representing our country, and bringing home the . Memories for a lifetime. Avengers forever.
Yessir!!!!! —James himself.
Possible Future for James-Curry Collaboration Remains a Popular Topic
While a joint NBA roster remains uncertain, speculation about James joining the Warriors has persisted, especially after Golden State reportedly expressed interest in acquiring him during the 2024 offseason. Reports from The Athletic note the connections that could make such a move appealing, including James’s close relationship with Curry and Draymond Green, the shared representation by the same agent, and their history under Warriors coach Steve Kerr with Team USA.
James is close with two-time MVP Stephen Curry, with whom he finally played last summer, when the couple paired up at the Olympics,
the article stated,
He and former Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green share an agent. He played for head coach Steve Kerr with Team USA. And the Warriors have the lure of … well, the Warriors.
Even though Los Angeles shut down trade talks in 2024, the prospect of seeing James and Curry combine talents on the same NBA squad continues to excite media members and fans, who eagerly watch for potential moves before the two legendary players retire. Their Olympic chemistry has not only brought international glory but also opened the door to new possibilities in professional basketball.