Warriors Are Title Contenders With LeBron James and Stephen Curry, Claims Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith discussed the massive impact a Stephen Curry-LeBron James pairing would have for the Warriors.

Warriors Are Title Contenders With LeBron James and Stephen Curry, Claims Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith on LeBron James and Stephen Curry (Image credits - Firstsportz)

LeBron James and Stephen Curry have been the two biggest stars in the NBA for over a decade. They have played against each other so many times and have won several accolades and championships over the years.

They faced off five times in the postseason, including in four NBA Finals. Curry leads 3-2 in their five playoff series, but James’ championship win in 2016 will go down in history as one of the greatest championships of all time.

The two superstars played together for the first time in the 2024 Paris Olympics. They formed a formidable partnership and helped Team USA win the gold medal. However, based on recent rumors, it looks like the Golden State Warriors are looking to bring in James in the offseason.

Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith believes the Warriors will be championship contenders if James joins them.

The Golden State Warriors are title contenders if that happens. There’s no way around it. And that’s something everybody should be excited about. If that happens, ladies and gentlemen, that’s title contention. That’s right up there with OKC and San Antonio. That’s right up there with them. This is the kind of stuff you should love. This is the kind of stuff everybody wants.

Stephen A. Smith on The Stephen A. Smith Show

The Warriors are coming off a disappointing 2025-26 campaign. They missed the playoffs after losing to the Phoenix Suns in the final game of the Play-In Tournament. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James, were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.

With Stephen Curry and James at 38 and 41 years old, respectively, their championship window is smaller than ever. Hence, it looks like the Warriors front office has decided to take an unusual path to extend their franchise player’s championship window. They have also been linked to Anthony Davis, who played with James during his time with the Lakers.

LeBron James and Stephen Curry pairing would transform NBA ratings

Both LeBron James and Stephen Curry will be heading into their 24th and 18th NBA seasons. They are not the players they once were, but they have shown that they can still play at a very high level.

The Warriors are one of the most attractive franchises in the NBA today. They have seen their value and popularity grow exponentially over the last decade due to Curry’s rise. There is no doubt that Curry is must-watch TV and one of the most entertaining players to watch in the league today. Adding a player like James will only add to it.

Stephen A. Smith believes that James joining the Warriors would reshape the league’s popularity.

You talk about box office appeal. Even with Wembanyama in San Antonio, even with the New York Knicks being the reigning defending NBA champions. Do you understand that the combination of LeBron James with Steph Curry, what that would mean for box office, what that would mean for ratings, what that would mean for the popularity of the NBA brand, not just nationwide, not just in the states, but globally.

Stephen A. Smith on The Stephen A. Smith Show

There is no doubt a player like James would add a lot of value to the Warriors both on and off the court. Seeing Curry and James together would definitely catch a lot of eyeballs.

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LeBron James, Stephen Curry-led Warriors will struggle to make it to the playoffs

There is no doubt that the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder will be the teams to beat in the Western Conference next season. They were the two best teams in the West last season and played in the Western Conference Finals.

LeBron James and Stephen Curry
LeBron James and Stephen Curry (Image credits – Polymarket Hoops)

While Stephen Curry and LeBron James are all-time greats, sports analyst Skip Bayless believes the Warriors would struggle to make the playoffs with the two aging superstars.

This would be something to behold. The problem is they would be the Olden State Warriors, right? The Golden Oldies. Next year, you’d have LeBron at 42, you’d have Steph at 39 midyear, he’d turn 39. Steve [Kerr] would have to juggle minutes. If you could get it to the playoffs healthy — I’m not even sure it could make the playoffs. You’d have to be able to play these guys enough to get to the playoffs in the West.

Skip Bayless on Gil’s Arena

While it is true that they will be box-office, their age can be a problem in an 82-game regular season. James played 60 games, while Curry struggled with injuries and was restricted to just 43 games in the 2025-26 regular season.

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