"Playing with LeBron is exactly how I imagined it": Steph Curry lauds 4x NBA champion's game awareness and greatness
Two years ago, LeBron James said in “The Shop” that Steph Curry was the active player he would love to play with the most. The four-time NBA MVP called the Golden State Warriors franchise cornerstone “lethal.” He added that Curry is so good that opponents “might wanna guard him when he get out of bed.”
Curry responded that they have played in All-Star games before but said he was “good right now.” The NBA’s all-time career triples leader added that such a pairing happens only in the “fantasy world.”
Steph Curry turned that fantasy into reality when he decided to commit to USA Basketball for the 2024 Olympics. He was reportedly among the first players LeBron James called to form a super team for the quadrennial games.
Curry had this to say to FIBA when asked about playing with “King James” in a competitive setting:
“Playing with LeBron is exactly how I imagined it. He understands the game at such a high level. He’s an all-time great.”
Team USA coach Steve Kerr is maximizing what is likely going to be the only team-up between Steph Curry and LeBron James in the Olympics. Curry is 36 years old, while James will turn 40 in December. “Chef Curry” might be around for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games, but “King James” is likely done with competitive basketball before that event happens.
Right from training camp, Kerr has paired the two iconic players. The two, along with Joel Embiid, are the only guaranteed starters in the Americans’ star-studded roster. The Golden State Warriors coach told reporters after their win against Serbia that the veterans are “learning to play with each other.”
Steph Curry finds playing with LeBron James exactly as he expected. Meanwhile, “King James” is ticking off something on his bucket list by competing with his longtime NBA rival in the Olympics.
Steph Curry nominated LeBron James to be the USA’s flag-bearer in the 2024 Paris Olympics
The USA is sending nearly 600 athletes to the 2024 Olympics in Paris. They will compete in 329 events where many of them are favorites to win the gold medal. Only one of them will have the honor of carrying their country’s flag in the opening ceremony.
The honor of leading the entire Team USA contingent went to LeBron James. It was Steph Curry who reportedly nominated his NBA rival to get that distinction. It was also Curry who announced James would be the flag bearer when the American men’s basketball team had one of their meetings.
Steph Curry and LeBron James know what is at stake in Paris. After years of wondering how it would feel to play with each other besides in an NBA All-Star game, they are finally teaming up. Basketball fans can’t wait to see them compete together in the Olympics.