There is not a bigger name on the NBA circuit than LeBron James, but there is no doubt the LA Lakers legend recognises a fellow great when he sees one.
Lebron and his Lakers teammates will continue their hunt for the NBA Championship, when they take on the Golden State Warriors in their latest play-off test. The series is a highly anticipated one, with two of the sport's biggest names in James and Steph Curry facing off in the Western Conference semi-final.
Throughout their distinguished careers, both James and Curry have announced themselves as two of the greatest athletes basketball has ever seen, creating a healthy rivalry between the duo.
Behind that rivalry lies plenty of respect though, with James previously labelling the Golden State Warriors man a 'once in a lifetime player'. Speaking back in 2021, the Lakers legend said: "We're all witnesses to what Steph Curry has done in his career and the way that he's changed the game.
"He's a once-in-a-lifetime basketball player." And as well as being a fan of Curry on the court, James has plenty of respect for the 35-year-old off it. Speaking after Curry became the most successful three-pointer in NBA history by overtaking Ray Allen, he commented: "More importantly he is just a great dude.
"I wish I could be there to congratulate him. I'll be one of the guys in our league that will congratulate him socially... Listen, I know Ray [Allen]. I know the work that he put into it. And if there's one guy he has to let pass his record, it being Steph, I know Ray is definitely grateful that it would be such a guy like that. Pretty cool accomplishment."
The pair will reignite their rivalry on Tuesday when the two teams face off at the Chase Center in California. Ahead of the trip to San Francisco, James is more than aware of the tough task that faces himself and his team. "You’ve got to be super-duper locked in.
"You can’t make a mistake. You just can’t. You can’t make a mistake or they’ll make you pay. It’s literally that simple. Some teams that I’ve played in my career that’s had that notion on you and they’re one of them.”
