The Golden State Warriors are excited for the next chapter of Stephen Curry and LeBron James’ rivalry.
LeBron James is a familiar foe for Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. These parties faced off in four consecutive NBA Finals and are two of the decades greatest icons.
Though it has been two years since we saw Curry and James match off in the playoffs, the rivalry is still going strong. Bill Simmons recently reignited the conversation in his Book of Basketball Podcast.
Simmons and Brian Windhorst discussed the genuine disdain James may have for Curry. The two touched on the 2016 NBA Finals and how Curry’s meteoric rise to the top stifled James’ return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“It is not friendly. I think LeBron really has genuine disdain for him,” Simmons said.
As we know, Simmons is notorious for exaggerating his takes. Do James and Curry truly have any ill will towards each other? Probably not.
James has been very vocal with his praise for Curry in the past. Multiple times he has shown respect to the two-time MVP. Still, there is no questioning that tempers have flared between these two in the past.
We all remember the explosive conclusion to Game 6 of the 2016 NBA Finals when James blocked Curry’s shot and let him hear all about it. A few moments later, Curry received his first ejection after frustration overtook him.
Even so, it seems this feud is one that only occurs on the court. James and Curry both appear to respect each other to the highest degree.
Though James is reaching the end of his career and the Warriors are currently a lottery team, his rivalry with Curry is far from over. The Dubs are preparing to bounce back strong next season with a healthy lineup and the potential No. 1 overall pick.
With James now in the Western Conference and playing alongside a superstar in Anthony Davis, we may see him clash with the Warriors one more time before it’s all said and done.