Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry and Los Angeles Lakers small forward LeBron James became part of one of the league’s most interesting rivalries during the latter’s time with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Whenever they see each other on the court, both Curry and James see to it that they give their 100 percent.
Though he managed to beat him thrice in the four consecutive years that they faced each other in the NBA Finals, Curry couldn’t help himself but admire James.
Stephen Curry Says LeBron James Sets Standard For Longevity
Before they faced James and the Lakers in the preseason, Curry shared some words of respect for the four-time NBA champion. The Warriors point guard praised James’ ability to extend his prime and said that he "set the standard" for longevity in the NBA.
"He set the standard for that," Curry said, via ESPN. "Let’s keep it real — what is he, in his 18th year? Nine straight Finals, all the things that he’s accomplished. You have a vision of sustaining your prime for as long as you can, kind of reimagining what that looks like."
LeBron James Still Playing At A High Level
The way James takes care of his body is indeed admirable. While most NBA players who are the same age as him are either past their prime or already retired, the 36-year-old small forward could still perform at a high level on both ends of the floor.
Last season, James posted incredible numbers, averaging 25.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 51.3 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from beyond the arc, per ESPN. As of now, James is still considered the leader of the Lakers’ team that is viewed as one of the heavy favorites to capture the Larry O’Brien Trophy in the 2021-22 NBA season.
Stephen Curry Recalls Past Memories With LeBron James Before He Enters The NBA
Curry and James have undeniably formed one of the most exciting rivalries in league history. However, Curry revealed that James has already been part of his basketball life even before he was selected as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.
"For me, it’s a weird perspective just because I still remember my college days and he was just coming into his prime in the league," Curry said. "And my sophomore year, [NCAA] tournament run he came to a game, then came to a game my junior year. This is hilarious. I still have a jersey that he signed back in ’08 in my parents’ house back in Charlotte."
Lakers Plan To Use ‘Big Three’ In Second Preseason Game Against Warriors
After dropping 30 points in their 121-114 victory over the Lakers, Curry and the Warriors are set to face James and the Lakers for the second time in the preseason on Tuesday night. Compared to their previous faceoff, the Warriors are expected to have a tougher matchup against the Lakers in their upcoming game.
In a Twitter, Dave McMenamin of ESPN revealed that the Lakers are planning to use the "Big Three" of James, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Davis in their second preseason game against the Warriors.
