Steph Curry commits to keeping his NBA rivalry with LeBron James alive despite their camaraderie on Team USA
Basketball fans were treated to electrifying action during the 2024 Paris Olympics as Steph Curry and LeBron James showcased their exceptional skills as a dynamic duo. Curry has hilariously reflected on the adjustments he had to make while coming to terms with building a strong rapport with one of his fiercest rivals in the NBA. However, he assured everyone that their league rivalry remains intact.
During his recent appearance on CBS's "The Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert," the Golden State Warriors superstar opened up about his evolving friendship with James. He recounted a memorable moment when the 20-time NBA All-Star provided him with a much-needed boost of encouragement during a shooting slump at the Olympics.
"... asked me the same question, 'What's wrong with your shot?' Positive self-talking, 'No we're winning. I know it's going to come, I know a flurry is coming,'" Curry said. "As soon as I said it, LeBron walks behind me, 'Damn right it is.' At first, it caught me off guard because I still had to get used to liking the guy because of all of our battles."
Curry was then asked by Colbert if his camaraderie with James would get in the way once the NBA's regular season commences. Curry had a quick response to the question, resulting in the crowd laughing.
"Not at all," he said.
Steph Curry talked about aspects of LeBron James' conditioning that don't get televised
LeBron James has established himself as an athlete with tremendous longevity. What's impressive is not the fact that he has played in the NBA for so long but also his ability to put up an incredible level of production on the floor.
Steph Curry, who has been in the league for 15 years, shared with PEOPLE magazine's Natasha Dye what it takes to maintain such longevity.
"It's everything that most people don't get to see," Curry said. "It's the time on the recovery table, it's the time in the weight room ... That little bit of investment in preparing your body and your mind to perform. There's nothing really glamorous about it. ... I think we motivated each other even more to however much longer we have left playing."
Curry connected with James through their shared drive and dedication to the game. In many ways, Curry and James have become role models and benchmarks for each other, maintaining their status as two of the most elite players in the NBA today.