LeBron James Lets Stephen Curry Know His Strong Opinion

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has seen it all on the basketball court. From playoff battles to championship runs, he’s faced every type of superstar. But in his latest episode of the “Mind the Game podcast,” James shared a powerful take about one opponent and friend who continues to challenge him like no other: Stephen Curry.

During the new episode featuring Curry as a special guest, James didn’t hesitate to give the Golden State Warriors sharpshooter his flowers. According to James, what makes Curry so hard to guard isn’t when he has the ball, it’s when he doesn’t.

“He’s most dangerous when he doesn’t have the ball,” James said, sitting beside Curry and co-host Steve Nash. “As a competitor and as a dear friend now, having guys not truly understanding what that means when you’re competing against a guy like that, it grinds you in the head.”

LeBron James Praises Stephen Curry’s Off-Ball Movement

James’ strong opinion came during a film breakdown session with Nash, where they reviewed moments from their 2016 NBA Finals showdown. Nash explained that Curry’s mere presence on the court warps defenses and opens up the floor for his teammates.

“Over time, your teams’ rim attempts when you’re on the floor are 45% of the shots,” Nash told Curry. “That’s not from you driving. It’s from your gravity, how teams react to you even when you don’t have the ball.”

James agreed, saying that what looks simple on TV is actually exhausting for defenders.

“It’s a natural reaction,” he said. “When the most dangerous guy gives the ball up, you think, ‘I did a great job.’ But that’s when he becomes even more dangerous.”

Curry, laughing beside James, nodded as his old rival continued to break it down. 

“He gives the ball up and starts moving, screening, cutting, slipping and suddenly someone else gets a layup or dunk because of that energy. The ball has energy, but player movement has energy, too,” James added. “It’s beautiful to watch. But when you’re the one guarding it, it hurts.”

From Rivals to Teammates

The chemistry between James and Curry has come a long way. After four straight Finals clashes between the Cavaliers and Warriors from 2015 to 2018, their rivalry evolved into mutual respect. That bond deepened when they finally shared the same jersey, leading Team USA to gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.