LeBron James’ Awkward All-Star Moment With Steph Curry Caught on Camera After Missed Handshake

Stephen Curry and LeBron James (Photo by Imagn Images)

LeBron James’ Awkward All-Star Moment With Steph Curry Caught on Camera After Missed Handshake

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Nitish Kumar Singh | Last updated Feb 16, 2026 10:22 AM ET

The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend was about watching the league’s biggest stars come together on one court. Instead, a brief sideline moment between LeBron James and Stephen Curry became one of the most dissected clips of the night.

During the opening matchup between Team Stars and Team Stripes at Intuit Dome, Curry, who did not play due to a runner’s knee, stood near the bench greeting players as they checked out of the game.

Right then, as James walked past, Curry extended his hand for a dap. Unexpected of his behaviour, James kept moving without extending his hands.

Rather than acknowledging Curry, the Los Angeles Lakers forward greeted Kawhi Leonard and continued toward the bench. Cameras then caught James glancing back in Curry’s direction, a look that only intensified speculation once the clip hit social media.

LeBron is insufferable man!!

“Steph tried to dap him up and LeBron ignored him
and still gives him a side eye ”#NBAAllStar2026 pic.twitter.com/B0ZuW3jao8
— XLVII (@BeatNovokane) February 16, 2026

Within minutes, fans began debating whether the exchange was intentional. Some referenced the pair’s long Finals history, particularly the Cavaliers’ 3-1 comeback against the Warriors in 2016.

Others tied the moment to the broader All-Star Weekend drama, including online chatter surrounding Kevin Durant and veteran rivalries.

The timing made it impossible to ignore. With the All-Star format already under scrutiny and several off-court storylines dominating headlines, even a split-second interaction between two legends felt magnified.

Still, there is no confirmation that anything was deliberate. All-Star benches are crowded and chaotic, and James may not have seen Curry’s gesture in real time. The entire sequence lasted only seconds.

LeBron James Gets Candid About NBA Journey Alongside Stephen Curry

Before Sunday’s game, James spoke at length about sharing this era with Curry and Kevin Durant, offering comments that hardly suggested tension.

“It’s always a pleasure and an honor to see those guys,” James said. “We’ve had so much of an unbelievable journey throughout our individual careers. When it comes to me, Steph and KD, we’ll be interlocked for the rest of our careers.”

"We've had an unbelievable journey."

LeBron on what it means to continue to share moments like this with Steph and KD pic.twitter.com/faISfkYzMF
— NBA (@NBA) February 15, 2026

James, 41, and Curry, 37, have defined modern basketball through both rivalry and collaboration. From multiple Finals matchups to international play together, their careers have repeatedly intersected at the highest levels.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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