December 26th 2024.
The holiday spirit was alive and well in San Francisco as two of the biggest names in the NBA, Steph Curry and LeBron James, prepared to face off for the fourth time on Christmas Day. Fans and experts alike couldn't help but wonder if this could be one of the last times these two giants would meet on the NBA's signature regular season day, considering where they are in their careers.
However, until they hang up their jerseys for good, Curry and James will always be the main attractions. As Lakers head coach JJ Redick put it, these two players have carried the league in terms of popularity and growth, just as Magic and Larry did in the 80s, MJ in the 90s, and Kobe for a long time. Their rivalry, especially the consecutive Finals matchups, has played a significant role in the league's success. In Redick's opinion, both Curry and James have a strong case for being part of the Mt. Rushmore of the greatest four NBA players of all time.
At the end of the month, James will turn 40, while Curry will turn 37 in March. Despite their age, they are still capable of taking over games and rank highly in advanced metrics. However, they have also shown signs of decline, which is not surprising given their long and successful careers. In the past week, Curry had two of his worst games, and he has struggled to shake off double teams and face-guards. Similarly, James has scored fewer than 20 points in 11 out of 27 games and has not been as dominant on defense as he used to be.
When asked about his future in the NBA, Curry acknowledged that he is aware of the end approaching but chooses to focus on enjoying the present moment. James, on the other hand, has taken a more proactive approach, leaving the team for eight days earlier in the year to recharge both physically and mentally. According to Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, age is a factor in the decline of players, as it becomes harder to face the physical and emotional demands of the game night after night. Retirement is inevitable, as no one can play forever.
Both the Warriors and Lakers have struggled this season, and it seems they may need to make significant trades to regain their postseason relevance. However, Curry and James remain the biggest draws in the league. They have dominated jersey sales, and games featuring either of them typically rate higher. With a combined 30 All-Star selections, eight championships, and six MVP awards, their legacies are cemented, even without the final chapters of their careers.
Despite their intense on-court rivalry in the past, Curry and James have always had mutual respect for each other. This summer, they teamed up for the first time to lead Team USA to Olympic gold in France, much to the delight of Coach Kerr. And as they prepared to face each other once again on Christmas, James playfully tried to block one of Curry's practice shots before the two shared a warm embrace.
If this is indeed their last Christmas on the court together, Curry and James will surely go out with a bang. Their impact on the NBA is undeniable, and their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of players. As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, but the memories and moments shared by these two titans will live on forever.
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