"Leaving $50 million on table" - NBA analyst identifies one realistic path for LeBron James & Stephen Curry team up

After LeBron James and Steph Curry teamed up for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, fans raved about seeing them play for the same team again. Superstar team-ups have happened before, and ESPN's Bobby Marks shared what needed to happen for the two biggest basketball stars if they want to play together in the NBA.

The pairing of James and Curry proved to be fruitful as they secured the gold medal against France in the final. While there were other stars on both teams, the focus was mainly on the two former rivals. This led to people exploring how they could be on the same team again.

"LeBron James signed a two-year contract (with the LA Lakers) this past offseason," Marks said. "With that contract, there's a player option there. He doesn't have a three-year contract or a four-year contract. He has a player option.

"He could become a free agent once again next offseason and pick his team that he would want to go to. Of course, that comes with probably leaving $50 million on the table to go to a team like Golden State and join Curry."

Marks said that fans should keep an eye on the 2026 offseason when both stars will surely be free agents.

"Steph Curry has two years left on his contract," Marks said. "He has the ability to sign an extension. He could become a free agent also. Certainly, LeBron next offseason, or potentially the summer of '26, when both can be free agents."

There isn't any assurance that the two will get to play for the same team in the NBA in the future. However, fans are hopeful for that moment to happen.

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The team-up of LeBron James and Steph Curry could only be made possible with the Warriors

Between LeBron James and Steph Curry, Curry is the only one who has stayed with one organization. As Curry moves forward in the latter years of his career, the Golden State Warriors have firmly expressed their desire to stay committed to him.

According to NBA reporter Brett Siegel, the Warriors have a strong desire to have Curry retire with them.

"Golden State has no intention of seeing Curry wear another jersey to finish his career, league sources said," Siegel reported. "The organization is prepared to do what it takes to remain competitive nearing the end of the legendary guard's career, yet they are still keeping an open mind when it comes to their long-term approach."

This means that the potential team-up with James could happen in Golden State. But it could change once Curry becomes a free agent and the Warriors fail to secure him with another contract.

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