Los Angeles Lakers‘ LeBron James has lauded Golden State Warriors‘ legend Stephen Curry, considering him one of the most impactful NBA players in history.

Despite their on-court rivalry over the years, LeBron James and Stephen Curry have always spoken highly of each other off the court. In a recent episode of his “Mind the Game” podcast with JJ Redick, LeBron James elaborated on Curry’s significant role in shaping the NBA.

According to LeBron James, “When it comes to influence since I’ve been watching the game, the most influence on the game, and obviously we know what Mike did for the game, Steph and Allen Iverson are the two biggest influential guys in our game since I’ve been watching and covering it,” via ClutchPoints.

Curry’s exceptional shooting skills have transformed the league, establishing the Warriors as a dominant force for the past decade. James highlighted how Curry has inspired younger generations with his game and unconventional journey to success.

“Allen Iverson and Steph, they were just so relatable and kids felt like they could be them,” James explained. “They were the guys that were not always counted on, they were small in stature and they just defied the odds. So you got AI who’s like the unbelievable crossover, cornrows, arm sleeve, everyone wears an arm sleeve now because of Allen Iverson. And he’s going in the trenches you know laying it up over bigs, whatever the case may be. Now you have Steph, who’s shooting over the Empire State Building. Those two are the two most influential when you see how they changed the game, and the kids, and like those are two guys that you just wanted to watch every single night.”

NBA Finals Legacy between James and Curry

LeBron James and Stephen Curry share a storied history of NBA Finals matchups, having faced each other in four consecutive finals from 2015 to 2018. While Curry’s Warriors prevailed thrice, James’ Cavaliers secured victory in 2016, staging an incredible comeback from a 1-3 series deficit.

Although they’ve teamed up only in NBA All-Star games so far, fans have speculated about the potential of LeBron and Curry playing together either for Team USA or in the league. Interestingly, there were rumors this season about the Warriors attempting to acquire James from the Lakers before the trade deadline, but the deal did not materialize. Had it happened, it would have created one of the most formidable duos in NBA history.

Darvin Ham Credits LeBron James for Setting Tone Entering Crucial Stretch

As the 2023-2024 NBA regular season nears its conclusion, Darvin Ham, head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, acknowledges LeBron James as the key figure setting the tone for the team. With only 13 games remaining in the season, the Lakers are facing challenges that have deviated from their initial expectations.

Despite setbacks such as injuries, lineup rotations, and strategic decisions, the Lakers remain in contention for a play-in spot. Coach Ham emphasizes the urgency of the situation, particularly as the team aims to secure a top-eight seed in the Western Conference.

In a recent statement to the media, including Lakers insider Jovan Buha from The Athletic, Coach Ham referred to this phase of the season as ‘money time.’ He highlighted LeBron James’ role in setting the tone and leading by example during this critical period.

“Just setting a tone, trying to set a tone,” Coach Darvin Ham expressed about LeBron James. “It’s money time right now. We have no time to waste. It starts with our two captains.”

—Darvin Ham, via The Athletic

While the Lakers face a challenging path to secure a top-six seed directly, James’ leadership and determination are pivotal in their quest for postseason success. With previous experience in play-in scenarios, James understands the importance of each game and the team’s collective effort to secure a playoff berth.

As the regular season winds down, all eyes are on LeBron James and the Lakers as they navigate through crucial matchups and aim to solidify their postseason position. Stay tuned for more updates on the Lakers’ journey in the final stretch of the NBA season.

The traditional belief in NBA postseason basketball is that only a few teams are genuine title contenders. However, the landscape might be shifting, with more teams vying for championship glory than ever before.

In recent years, a handful of teams dominated the championship scene, led by players like Steph Curry and LeBron James. But now, with teams like the Raptors, Bucks, and Nuggets making waves, the league is witnessing a more competitive environment.

Here’s a breakdown of 15 NBA teams that could potentially win the championship this year, categorized into six tiers based on their strengths and weaknesses.

Tier 1: The Front-Runners The Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets stand out as the top contenders. Both teams excel in offense and defense, essential for championship-caliber performances. However, challenges lie ahead, especially in the stacked Western Conference.

Tier 2: Rising Stars Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves show immense talent but lack playoff experience. Despite their potential, they may need time to mature into championship contenders.

Tier 3: The Milwaukee Bucks Dilemma The Bucks boast incredible talent, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, but questions linger about their coaching staff. If they can overcome coaching challenges, they have a real shot at the title.

Tier 4: Dark Horses The New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, and New Orleans Pelicans have shown glimpses of greatness but face hurdles such as injuries and inconsistent performances.

Tier 5: Underachievers with Potential Teams like the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Dallas Mavericks have disappointed this season but have the talent to make deep playoff runs if they find their form.

Tier 6: The Wild Card The Philadelphia 76ers’ championship hopes depend heavily on Joel Embiid’s health and return to form. If he can lead the team effectively, they could surprise many.

While some teams may seem unlikely contenders, the competitive landscape in the NBA is evolving, making the championship race more intriguing than ever.