It appears that LeBron James has begun his recruitment of Stephen Currry.
Another NBA All-Star game is in the books. And while LeBron James wasn’t happy about playing the game initially, it certainly looked like he was having as much fun as anyone else on the court Sunday evening.
Team LeBron put a hurting on Team Durant, 170-150. Exhibition game or not, this 20-point beat down came in dominating fashion. Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a game-high 35 points for Team LeBron, taking home the All-Star game MVP award.
Giannis becomes the third player in NBA history to win league MVP, All-star MVP, and DPOY awards.
The interesting thing is all the praise James lavished upon Stephen Curry after the game on Twitter.
Finally got to share the floor with @StephenCurry30! Well overdue and I loved every single second!! #GreatestShooterOfAllTime #ChangedHowTheGameIsPlayedByHimselfAlone #RespectBeyondWords #JustSomeKidsBornInAKRON🤴🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 8, 2021
You could very well say this is James’ first recruiting pitch toward Curry, who will be a free agent at the end of the 2021-22 season. Sounds far-fetched, right? This isn’t the first time James has recruited another star player to join forces with him. His current No. 2 is Anthony Davis, and the whole world knew he was heading to Los Angeles a year before he was traded.
LeBron also allegedly recruited Kawhi Leonard and Paul George less than two years ago and they both wound up landing in Los Angeles but with the Clippers, not the Lakers.
Curry will not have to force his way out like Anthony did since he still hasn’t agreed to a contract extension as of this past offseason the Golden State Warriors before the season. It honestly feels like Curry is just holding Joe Lacob and the organization’s feet to the fire.
Had Curry signed that long-term deal before the beginning of this season, then the Warriors would have no real incentive to stay competitive this year. The Warriors might not feel the need to even look into making another move or two before the deadline if Curry was locked up long-term. Can you say, Bradley Beal? It’s just a thought. Don’t be shocked to hear rumors heat up about Beal as the deadline (March 25) approaches. Though, it’s extremely unlikely the Washington Wizards would move the all-star guard.
Long-time Warriors fans remember what it was like before Curry. Minus the 2006-07 ‘We Believe Warriors’ there wasn’t a ton of winning going on until they lucked into the greatest shooter the NBA has ever seen.
So, why wouldn’t LeBron want Steph to join him in LA? This is a no-brainer for anyone with a pulse. But relax Warriors fans, it probably won’t happen. It is something for the rest of us to keep an eye on though.
Both James and Curry will be in their mid-30s by 2022. But the thought of them being on the same team along with Davis should be terrifying to the rest of the league. You better believe general managers around the league will do whatever it takes to ensure this collaboration never happens.