LeBron James carried the Los Angeles Lakers to a much-needed 119-103 road victory over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday.
However, the matchup lacked some luster, as James’ longtime rival, Stephen Curry, sat out due to knee injury maintenance. The two-time MVP’s absence during their last chance to face off this season led James to suggest that their duels could be in the rearview, with both stars at the tail end of their illustrious careers.
LeBron James Non-Committal About NBA Future While Reflecting on Stephen Curry Rivalry
Returning from a one-game hiatus due to left foot soreness, James looked rejuvenated against Golden State, posting a game-high 26 points, 8 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals, and 3 3-pointers on efficient 11-for-17 shooting overall (64.7%).
The 41-year-old controlled the game down the stretch with his playmaking and finishing inside, helping halt LA’s three-game slide since his co-stars Luka Dončić (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) exited the lineup last week.
While James was pleased with the emphatic win, which moved the Lakers back into the Western Conference’s fourth seed (51-29), he couldn’t help but get sentimental when asked about Curry.
With the sharpshooter on the sidelines, the veteran star duo failed to compete head-to-head in all four of their teams’ clashes this season. Their last showdown came on April 3, 2025, leaving fans wondering when the next chapter of their storied rivalry, highlighted by four NBA Finals matchups, could unfold.
James appeared taken aback after Thursday’s contest by just how long it’s been since he and Curry shared the floor, before acknowledging his uncertain future.
“We actually talked about it a little bit. We both didn’t even realize it until, I guess, today,” James began. “We both seen some pressers. I was looking at a couple of things online, and it was like, we haven’t played against each other this year, and I didn’t even realize it until I actually seen it, and they broke down the games.
“Obviously, I was hurt early on, and then, I think the last two games, he didn’t play, so we never know. We don’t know, like I said, what the future holds, and if we get the opportunity to play against each other, or how many more times we get to play against each other. So, it’s always a pleasure, and it’s always an honor just to be in his presence, to be on the floor with him.”
Lebron on not playing against Steph tonight:
“We both didn’t even realize it until I guess today. We don’t know what the future holds and if we get the opportunity to play against each other…it’s always a pleasure and it’s always an honor just to be in his presence to be on… pic.twitter.com/iCdNSbIxaP
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) April 10, 2026
Playing in his historic 23rd season, James has been heavily involved in rumors centered around him possibly seeking green pastures in free agency or calling it a career. Considering the four-time MVP didn’t seem too confident he and Curry would square off again, his candid postgame remarks will only fuel retirement rumors.
As such, Lakers fans may be wise to savor James’ final two regular-season outings and playoff run, as one way or another, his stint with the Purple and Gold could be nearing its conclusion.
