The Los Angeles Lakers closed out their regular-season road trip with a 119-103 win over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night, but one of the NBA’s most anticipated matchups never materialized.
LeBron James led the way with 26 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, helping Los Angeles snap a three-game losing streak and improve to 51-29 on the season. However, the spotlight remained on who wasn’t on the floor. Stephen Curry, listed out due to injury management, did not suit up, continuing a season-long trend of missed matchups between the two stars.
After the game, James acknowledged the unusual situation, admitting he hadn’t even realized that he and Curry had not faced each other this season.
“We actually talked about it a little bit,” James said. “We both didn’t even realize it until, I guess, today… we haven’t played against each other this year. And I didn’t even realize that until I actually seen it.” He added, “We never know what the future holds… it’s always a pleasure and an honor just to be in his presence, to be on the floor with him.”
LeBron James Reflects on Missed Stephen Curry Matchups
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James
The absence of any head-to-head meetings between James and Curry this season stands out, given their long-standing rivalry and shared history in the NBA.
In previous years, their matchups have been among the league’s most anticipated, dating back to multiple NBA Finals battles and countless regular-season showdowns. This season, however, injuries on both sides prevented those meetings from happening.
James noted that timing played a major role. Against Golden State, James was efficient, shooting 11-of-17 from the field and hitting three 3-pointers. He controlled the tempo throughout, leading the team in points and assists while helping generate consistent offense for a shorthanded lineup.
At 41 years old and in his 23rd NBA season, James also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding future opportunities to face Curry again. “We don’t know when, if we get the opportunity to play against each other, or how many more times we get to play against each other,” he said.
Despite that, the respect between the two players remains evident. Their rivalry has evolved into a mutual appreciation, shaped by years of competing at the highest level and representing the league globally.
Stephen Curry’s Gesture Highlights Mutual Respect With LeBron James
GettyStephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors speaks to LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers during a timeout
Even without playing, Curry still made an impression during Thursday’s game through a symbolic gesture that reflected that mutual respect.
Curry wore the Nike LeBron 10 iD, a signature shoe closely associated with James. The choice did not go unnoticed. The two players shared a brief interaction before the game, exchanging a hug and a conversation that drew attention.
After the game, James addressed the moment, expressing appreciation for Curry’s decision. “You got one of the all-time greats ever to rock my kicks, that was super cool,” James said. He added that the specific pair Curry wore had a personal connection, noting that the design was created during Curry’s earlier association with Nike.
Curry’s decision comes after ending his long-term partnership with Under Armour in November 2025, giving him the flexibility to wear different brands. Throughout the season, he has rotated various sneakers, but his choice against the Lakers carried added significance given the context.
The gesture underscored the relationship between the two players, which extends beyond competition. While their teams continue to battle for positioning, Los Angeles holding a top-four seed and Golden State preparing for the play-in tournament, their individual legacies remain closely linked.
On the court, James continues to carry the Lakers amid injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, both expected to miss the start of the playoffs. Off the court, moments like Thursday’s serve as reminders of the respect shared between two of the defining players of their generation.
As the regular season winds down, the missed matchups between James and Curry will stand as a rare occurrence, one that both players clearly noticed, even if it took until the final week to fully realize it.
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