Stephen Curry still finds it hard to believe that he and LeBron James will be teaming up for Team USA in the upcoming Olympics.
After many battles on the hardwood and a few missed chances to team up in the NBA, Curry and James are set to be teammates for the first time in their Hall of Fame careers. They aim to lead Team USA to gold in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
From 2015 to 2018, Curry’s Golden State Warriors and James’ Cleveland Cavaliers clashed in the NBA Finals, with the Warriors winning three times. This history makes the prospect of joining forces for Olympic gold surreal for Curry, who is more accustomed to playing against James, now with a fresh two-year, $101.3 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Having Bron as a teammate is surreal because of all the battles we’ve had. I’ve admired his game from afar. Seeing his work up close every day, how he prepares, how he talks in practice—I’ve never had that vantage point,” Curry said, per Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports. “I’m just excited to see how our games complement each other and to build that chemistry to lead this team.”
Stephen Curry and LeBron James may have had a fierce rivalry on the court, but beyond the competition lies a deep mutual appreciation for each other’s impact on basketball. Achieving greatness at their level is no small feat, fostering an enduring respect between them that transcends their on-court battles over the past decade.
“In the Finals, that competitive edge brings out a healthy animosity when someone stands in your way of a goal. You can have that killer instinct and see the opponent as a challenge, yet still hold the utmost respect for them,” Curry remarked.
While fans eagerly anticipate Curry and James teaming up to lead Team USA in a redemption bid after a disappointing 2023 FIBA World Cup, the joy of collaboration may pale in comparison to the relief felt by both stars. For them, the Olympics offer a respite from facing each other, marking a unique opportunity to unite toward a shared goal.
LeBron James and Stephen Curry, the perfect basketball fit for Team USA
One of basketball’s great ironies is that LeBron James and Stephen Curry’s styles complement each other perfectly, despite their advancing ages. A team centered around these two legends promises to be a formidable challenge for any opponent. James, renowned as one of the greatest playmakers ever, excels both on and off the ball with his exceptional movement. Combining handoffs, low-post splits, and straightforward pick-and-roll actions between them will generate abundant scoring opportunities for Team USA, especially with Joel Embiid and Kevin Durant also anchoring the lineup.
The primary concern surrounding James and Curry’s decision to join Team USA for the upcoming Olympics is their age. James, who will turn 40 in December, and Curry, who recently celebrated his 36th birthday in March, face potential injury risks in the intense Olympic environment.
However, LeBron James understands that basketball is not a lifelong pursuit. He is focused on maximizing every opportunity to fulfill his career goals, including competing alongside some of his longstanding rivals.
“The game of basketball doesn’t last forever. I don’t want to miss out on opportunities to build relationships over false narratives that have persisted for so long,” James reflected. “Despite our past battles on the court, like with Kevin [Durant] and Steph [Curry], I’m able to set aside those narratives and appreciate these moments for what they are.”
Team USA kicks off their campaign in the 2024 Paris Olympics on July 28, facing off against Serbia, led by Nikola Jokic. LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and their teammates will aim to start strong in the group stage.
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