‘Another Level’: Steph Curry Speaks on His Rivalry with Lakers’ LeBron James Ahead of Their Play-in Tie

Published 05/16/2021, 11:13 PM EDT

When the 2020-21 season began, it was impossible to predict the Lakers would find themselves in a play-in situation. Moreover, it was ever more uncertain that the shorthanded Warriors would stand a shot at taking the #7 seed. But welcome to the post-2020 era where anything is possible and the two teams are now locked in for a play-in.

Now, this epic showdown at the Staples Center will see the All-Star game teammates LeBron James and Steph Curry facing each other. The stakes are high and hence it will refresh the memories from when they both met in the 2018 NBA Finals.

Steph Curry welcomed the rivalry with LeBron James

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The Bay Area squad has again proved that they are the ultimate Warriors after their tremendous run this season. Their leader, Steph Curry, has been playing like an MVP, averaging close to 32 ppg and taking home the scoring title. GSW now has a real chance to enter the postseason and face either the Phoenix Suns or Utah Jazz in round 1. But before that, they need to overcome LeBron James’ Lakers.

In a recent interview, the baby-faced assassin responded to his rivalry with King James. The 33-YO stated, “You expect greatness…”

Steph Curry on his rivalry with LeBron James: "You expect greatness…It just brings out another level of intensity and excitement."
— Melissa Rohlin (@melissarohlin) May 16, 2021

The last time the two met in the NBA Finals, the Warriors had crushed LeBron’s side 4-0. Steph Curry was the top scorer in two of those games and hence he holds an upper hand over Bron when it comes to such high-intensity battles.

Lakers vs Warriors: What are the expectations?

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In the middle of the 2020-21 season, when the Warriors were struggling to even be a top 10 WC side, a different narrative was developing. Many analysts were pointing towards a bizarre possibility of Steph Curry joining the Lakers in the upcoming season. However, those were all hollow claims with no basis for the crazy fantasy.

Both LeBron James and Steph admire each other’s games but they still are fierce competitors who have always been behind each other’s tale. As of now, Steph leads 22-16 over the Akron Hammer in their career games.

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Now, ahead of their play-in clash, the needle drops towards the Lakers because of the defense strength that they carry. With defenders in Anthony Davis and Dennis Schroder, if they can find their way around Steph, the match will be theirs to win. Also, LeBron’s big nights against the Pacer and the Pelicans will help the Lake Show stay more confident.

Do you still believe Steph Curry’s Warriors can topple the Lakers kingdom? Help us know in the comments.

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Sourabh Singh is an NBA sports analyst for EssentiallySports, who has been working with the site since May 2020. Prior to this, he functioned as Managing Editor at WittyFeed, followed by a stint at Decathlon. The Sports Management graduate leads an active lifestyle, veering to the mountains for off-trail adventures.

‘Another Level’: Steph Curry Speaks on His Rivalry with Lakers’ LeBron James Ahead of Their Play-in Tie

Steph Curry welcomed the rivalry with LeBron James

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