The idea of LeBron James and Stephen Curry teaming up has lived for years in the realm of debate shows and hypotheticals. On Thursday, Rich Paul made it clear that’s where it will stay.
Paul, speaking during a discussion sparked by Max Kellerman, dismissed the notion of James and Curry ever sharing an NBA locker room. When pressed on why the pairing made basketball sense, Paul responded with sarcasm before shutting it down.
“Why don’t we just play Duck, Duck, Goose?” Paul said. “It’s not going to happen. So why are we talking about things that are not going to happen?”
James and Curry have crossed paths only in limited settings, most recently while playing together for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics and in various All-Star Games. They have never been NBA teammates.
That hasn’t stopped speculation. The Warriors have checked in on James more than once over the years, including ahead of the 2024 trade deadline, but those conversations never advanced.
Paul has consistently maintained that James intends to remain with the Lakers, a stance reinforced by James exercising his player option for the 2025-26 season, which includes a no-trade clause.
The Lakers, meanwhile, are increasingly building around Luka Doncic as their long-term centerpiece, with James operating more as a high-level co-star at this stage of his career.
James, who will turn 41 during the season, is averaging 20.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists through 15 games, with Los Angeles sitting at 20-11 overall.
For all the intrigue, the message from Paul was unmistakable. A James-Curry partnership may always make for good television, but it is not an NBA reality.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
