ESPN analysts detail how and where Steph and LeBron could team up in the NBA Originally appeared in NBC Bay Area Sports
Although they have been rivals for a decade, Steph Curry and LeBron James It was certainly fun to see them as teammates for once during Team USA’s run to Olympic gold.
As a result, many have speculated about the possibility of the two legends teaming up in the NBA. Admittedly, it is rather unlikely, given the ages of Curry (36) and James (39) and the financial constraints that would arise.
But in the midst of the NBA offseason and with not much else to discuss, it’s still fun to wonder about a world where they spent an entire season together… well, maybe as long as it’s in Golden State.
On Tuesday, The “NBA Today” team analyzed the Feasibility of a Curry-James mergerproviding information on where, when and how it might occur.
ESPN NBA front-office insider Bobby Marks pointed to the 2026 offseason as the likely time for the partnership; Curry and James’ current contracts are set to expire that summer.
However, James would be 41 by then and this scenario would require him to play at least three more seasons, so an earlier timeline may be necessary.
“LeBron James signed a two-year contract this offseason and with that contract, there is a player option,” Marks said. “He can become a free agent once again next offseason and choose the team he would like to go to.
“Of course, that probably means leaving $50 million on the table to go to a team like Golden State and join… Steph Curry.”
We’ve covered the logistical side of things, but where would it happen?
Panelist Andraya Carter proclaimed the Los Angeles Lakers as the most likely destination for this collaboration.
“I know Steph Curry wants to finish “His career as a Warrior,” Carter acknowledged, “but to me, what a beautiful ending it would be for him to go to Los Angeles (and) bring a championship with LeBron to the historic organization and franchise that is the Lakers.”
Carter also cited the superiority of the Lakers’ supporting cast around James as reasoning for why Los Angeles makes the most sense, though he added that he doesn’t care where they team up because of how entertaining it would be.
On the other hand, analyst Tim Legler leaned toward Golden State as the most reasonable scenario.
“The chemistry is there on a personal level… but their games are aligned as well,” Legler said. “If it happens, I think it has to be in Golden State.
“I think Steph Curry wants to be that guy who wears a uniform his entire career, but he would love to welcome that type of talent to give him the opportunity to continue to be competitive at this level.”
Meanwhile, Kendrick Perkins, long-time Warriors antagonist He offered a different possibility, one that could come sooner than many think. He stated that the Lakers and Warriors could explore trade possibilities around James or Curry as soon as the 2024-25 NBA season begins.
Marks had a similar opinion, stating that Curry and James cannot win another NBA title alone; working as a team would be their only path to a fifth Finals victory for both.
Again, none of these suggestions are particularly likely, so take them with a grain of salt. But after the Olympics, a Curry-James partnership could be as likely now as ever.