James Harden On LeBron James And Stephen Curry: 'Once Players Like Us Are Gone, We’ll Never See Them Again'

James Harden, reflecting on the epic Christmas Day showdown between LeBron James and Stephen Curry, delivered an emotional message about the significance of cherishing moments with players of their caliber. 

"It was amazing. Me and Steph was talking about that after the game as well. We love to hoop. Father Time is undefeated, it's a real thing. For us, I know LeBron probably feel the same way, we love the game of basketball." 

"It's all we've been doing our entire lives and we're very good at it. So it's going to be difficult. Now we just got a little nagging injuries that when you're younger you probably just don't get it. But you get a little older, it's like, damn, I got my knee hurt a little bit."

"So it's weird, but it's a part of life. And we're just gonna continue to just grind this thing out, man, and enjoy it."

"And I hope the fans and people that really enjoy basketball, love the game of basketball, can embrace and cherish these moments, cuz once players like us are gone, it's like, I don't know, we'll never see them again. but we love the game. We hope you guys do too."

The Christmas Day game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors was a spectacle. While the Lakers narrowly triumphed, the true highlight was the duel between LeBron and Curry, both showcasing their brilliance despite the years of wear and tear on their bodies. Harden, a contemporary of these legends, expressed his admiration for their continued dominance and passion for the game.

LeBron, nearing his 40th birthday, remains an anomaly, consistently putting up triple-doubles and defying expectations. Curry, despite battling injuries, continues to deliver clutch performances and redefine the limits of shooting excellence. Harden’s comments reflect a growing awareness among these players that their time on the court is finite, making their achievements even more remarkable.

Harden’s perspective also speaks to his personal journey. Known for his relentless scoring ability and unique playing style, “The Beard” admitted that injuries have reshaped his approach to the game.

The Christmas Day matchup wasn’t just another game; it was a reminder of the legacy being built by players like LeBron, Curry, and Harden. For fans, it highlighted the importance of appreciating the greatness on display. Harden’s words underscore this sentiment: 

As LeBron, Curry, and Harden continue to defy Father Time, their contributions to the game serve as a testament to their unparalleled skill, dedication, and resilience. The Christmas Day game was a celebration of their greatness—a poignant reminder that basketball’s golden era is still unfolding, but it won’t last forever. Fans would do well to heed Harden’s advice: cherish these players while they’re still here because their impact on the game is truly irreplaceable.