Time has a way of softening even the fiercest rivalries in sports, and perhaps none illustrates this better than the evolving relationship between LeBron James and Stephen Curry.
Today, their on-court interactions are marked by mutual respect and genuine camaraderie, a stark contrast to the intense rivalry that defined their earlier encounters.
Yet for devoted fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors, the memory of their heated battles remains fresh, representing one of basketball’s most compelling rivalries that spanned four consecutive NBA Finals.
In a recent conversation with ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, James offered a candid perspective on the natural animosity that developed during those fierce Finals matchups from 2015 to 2018.
“I mean, s***. When you’re in a dog fight and there’s only one guy that’s trying to stop you from reaching your goals, you’re going to dislike that person… He disliked me. I disliked him because we were both fighting for what the f*** we wanted, and that’s the Larry O’Brien Trophy,” James revealed.
LeBron James on his rivalry with Steph Curry during NBA Finals runs:
“I mean, s***. When you’re in a dog fight and there’s only one guy that’s trying to stop you from reaching your goals, you’re going to dislike that person… He disliked me. I disliked him because we were both… pic.twitter.com/i2c0vtZS2W
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 15, 2025
Their postseason history tells a remarkable story, with 28 head-to-head encounters, including 22 Finals matchups.
Curry currently holds the statistical edge with a 17-11 record and three Finals victories over James.
However, LeBron’s crowning achievement came in 2016 when he led the Cavaliers to a historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit, culminating in a dramatic Game 7 victory on the Warriors’ home court.
The legacy of their rivalry extends beyond mere numbers.
With both superstars now holding four championships apiece, their confrontations have become legendary chapters in NBA history.
While their current friendly relationship might puzzle some longtime fans who witnessed the intensity of their past battles, it stands as a testament to how great competitors can evolve from fierce rivals to mutual admirers.
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