Player rivalries are part of the NBA’s history, the most prominent being Larry Bird and Earvin “Magic” Johnson. However, Steph Curry and LeBron James might give that rivalry a run for its money at the top spot.
Golden State facing the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals marks the fifth time Curry and James have met in a playoff series and as a result, Warriors CEO Joe Lacob believes their rivalry is similar to Bird and Johnson's in the 80s.
“[Bird and Johnson] had the college rivalry, which, you know, really transferred over to the NBA ... that really did revolutionize the whole NBA," Lacob told Bonta Hill, Chris Mullin, Festus Ezeli and Dorrell Wright on "Warriors Pregame Live" before Game 1. "I think we all understand that, right? So I don’t know. It’s hard to compare them. But this is big. This is right up there.
"And it’s not over because LeBron apparently can go on forever, right? I don’t get it. And maybe Steph can, for all we know. I hope so. But it’s a huge rivalry. This is our fifth time playing LeBron. We’ve had a pretty good track record. It’s epic. I mean, what else can you say? It’s just flat-out epic.”
Curry and the Warriors have won three of the four series against James, when he was with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals. While there’s a rivalry between them, there’s also a respect level, knowing they’re the two best players of their generation.
“He puts in the work, and when you put in the work, nine times out of 10, you’re going to see results,” James told reporters before Game 1. “And he’s done that throughout his whole entire career. I’ve got nothing but the utmost respect for Steph and everything he’s been able to accomplish not only on the floor but also off the floor, too.
Golden State Warriors
"It’s great to have people like that in this league that can set an example for the generation to come.”
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Despite the mutual respect, Curry and James know what’s at stake in their latest playoff encounter: A trip to the Western Conference finals.
These two legendary players are in the late stages of their careers, so they likely know they must take advantage of a chance to win an NBA championship whenever the opportunity presents itself.