With the Denver Nuggets headed to the Finals, it could mark the start of a new era for the NBA. For years, we’ve watched LeBron James and Stephen Curry essentially take turns ruling the league, but now that’s finally starting to change. James is 38 now and is apparently contemplating retirement after getting swept by the Nuggets. Curry, meanwhile, is still playing at an MVP level, but it’s clear that his team is not at the same level it used to be.
Even still, it’s impossible not to think about a potential pairing between James and Curry, especially given where they are now at this stage of their careers. According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, they’d be a near-perfect match together, and it could give them both a few more years to compete for a title.
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“LeBron, now more than ever, needs an All-Star shot-creating teammate,” O’Connor wrote. “It’s clear from this postseason that he can’t shoulder the offense alone. That is why Kyrie [Irving] is a potential target for Los Angeles. But in Golden State, Steph, who is no longer at his peak, could use a little extra push too. That’s why Golden State’s summer is so pivotal, as well. The union of Steph and LeBron seems like a match made in heaven, particularly as they enter the twilight of their careers.”
Of course, LeBron and the Lakers just beat the Warriors a few weeks ago, and they were not intimidated at all by the brilliance of Stephen Curry. But if you add LeBron to that Warriors group, it might be enough to make them the favorites in the West again.
Is LeBron Really Leaving The Lakers?
While it’s highly unlikely that Curry ever breaks up with the Warriors, LeBron isn’t nearly so certain about his future. At this point, he’s made it clear that unless Rob Pelinka can put the team in a position to compete for championships, he doesn’t want to keep going through the grind.
“For me, it’s all about availability for me. Keeping my mind sharp, things of that nature. Being present on the floor, being present in the locker room, on bus rides, plane rides, things of that nature. It’s challenging, for sure,” James said. “It was a very challenging season for me. For our ball club. Obviously, we know what went on earlier in the year, whatever the case may be. It was pretty cool. Pretty cool ride, but I don’t know.”
Only LeBron ultimately knows when his time is up, but it’s not a stretch to say he’s closer to the end now than we’ve ever seen him before. But if there’s one thing that might convince him to stick around (besides Bronny), it’s got to be a potential partnership with one of the game’s all-time greatest players.
