LeBron James and Stephen Curry, two of the NBA’s greatest players, have put aside their past rivalry to join forces on the men’s national team for the Paris Olympics. While they have played together in All-Star games, their history is marked by intense competition, particularly during their NBA Finals matchups from 2015 to 2018. However, despite their on-court battles, they have always maintained a deep respect for each other.
In a recent interview with The Athletic, Curry described their relationship as a “healthy resentment,” driven by a desire to overcome each other’s impressive skills. LeBron James echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that traditional NBA rivalries often involve animosity, but he chose to focus on mutual respect and admiration.
It was like a healthy resentment of somebody that’s standing in your way. But through it all, like there’s obviously the utmost respect for who he is as a person and a player and like how good he is and the challenge of trying to beat him and trying to solve that problem every year.Steph Curry said
LeBron James went on to add some of his own spice.
A lot of y’all maybe grew up in the Bird-Magic era and we shouldn’t like each other, but I’m also (aware) enough to know that Isiah (Thomas) and Magic hugged and kissed each other on the floor too because it was just mutual respect. They say Michael never talked to any of his opponents, but I’m also smart enough to know that him and Charles (Barkley) had a lot of conversations during the ’93 finals and also played golf against each other.LeBron James added
LeBron James and Steph Curry were born in the same hospital nearly four years apart.
The two are used to a “healthy resentment” throughout their pro careers, including a remarkably tense NBA Finals stretch.
That is, until the global stage.@joevardon on their relationship ⤵️
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 17, 2024The intensity of their competition was on full display during Game 6 of the 2015 NBA Finals, when James blocked Curry’s shot and let him know about it. However, nearly a decade later, they have put aside their rivalry to work towards a common goal.
As they take the court together in the Paris Olympics, fans can expect memorable moments from two of the greatest players in the game. Their ability to put aside past rivalries and work together is a testament to the power of respect and admiration in sports.
LeBron James and Stephen Curry’s Olympic team-up reveals deeper respect
LeBron James and Stephen Curry are now united on Team USA for the 2024 Olympic games. As they represent their country, they’re getting a unique opportunity to observe each other’s meticulous routines and learn from each other’s work ethic according to league insider Joe Vardon.
Gleaning how each transcendental superstar goes about his work and learning more about who they are [or, to be more precise, who they’ve become since those finals battles] off the court.League insider Joe Vardon wrote
LeBron James and Steph Curry have enjoyed watching each other in practice over the past two weeks.
“Gleaning how each transcendental superstar goes about his work and learning more about who they are [or, to be more precise, who they’ve become since those finals battles] off the… pic.twitter.com/gbmfBDlwQU
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 17, 2024Despite their past rivalry, James and Curry are finding common ground in their commitment to hard work and dedication. They’re realizing that maintaining greatness requires a high level of discipline and dedication, and they’re appreciating the rare opportunity to play together.
While they’re enjoying their time as teammates, they know that their on-court rivalry will resume once the Olympics end as they’ll return to their respective teams and compete against each other in the Western Conference.
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