The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Golden State Warriors 119-103 on Thursday night at Chase Center. LeBron James controlled the game from start to finish, posting 26 points and 11 assists. Golden State committed 19 turnovers that led to 28 Lakers points, and Los Angeles pulled away with a dominant run to open the final frame.
Steph Curry did not play. The Warriors sat him ahead of Friday’s game in Sacramento. His absence meant this season produced zero head-to-head meetings between two of the most significant figures in modern NBA history.
But Curry still managed to make a statement before the game. He showed up to Chase Center wearing his original Nike LeBron 10 IDs from 2013 in Golden State colors. After the game, LeBron was asked about it.
LeBron on Curry’s Homage
James did not hold back when he saw what kicks Curry had worn before the game.
“You got one of the all-time greats ever to rock my kicks,” James said. “That was super cool…think those were actually a colorway for him I believe. I believe. We made them for him when he was with Nike at the time. But those Golden State colors, they look good on him. That’s special.”
He said the gesture was special. The tone was genuine. Two players who spent years competing against each other on the biggest stages in basketball, now celebrating each other’s legacy off the court.
A Rivalry This Season Robbed Us Of
Curry and James have faced each other 27 times in the regular season and 28 times in the playoffs. The rivalry between the two carried the league for the better part of a decade. Iconic series between the Warriors and Cavaliers.
This season, injuries and workload management ensured it never happened. LeBron is 41. Curry turned 38 in March. The window for these matchups is closing fast, and this season unfortunately offered zero chapters of the story.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
What the Gesture Meant
Curry chose a pair that LeBron’s team had made specifically for him over a decade ago, when both players were still early in their careers and the rivalry had not yet reached its peak.
LeBron recognized what the gesture meant. He remembered the colorway. He remembered that his brand had made them for Curry. The details were not lost on him.
Final Word for the Lakers and Warriors
The game belonged to LeBron. At 41, he can still take over whenever he wants. The Lakers needed the win after a losing streak and he gave it to them without needing a full fourth quarter.
Los Angeles is 51-29 and sitting fourth in the Western Conference. Golden State is 37-43 and the play-in tournament approaching fast.
The on-court rivalry may be fading. The mutual respect has never been stronger.
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