Future Hall of Famers Steph Curry and LeBron James teamed up for the first time in their NBA careers. Hence, the Paris Olympics generated excitement for themselves and fans everywhere. Since their initial meeting in training camp, anticipation has been building for their on-court partnership.
During the third quarter of the USA vs. Canada pre-Olympics exhibition game, fans were treated to a glimpse of Curry and LeBron’s on-court chemistry. The Lakers star recovered the ball and quickly passed it to Curry. Without hesitation, Steph Curry lobbed it perfectly to LeBron, who scored effortlessly, igniting the crowd.
So beautiful
— Linda (@Homcy_Lin) July 11, 2024
Absolute cinema.
🇺🇸 #USABMNT
x 📺 @FS1 pic.twitter.com/HUAgZ85jwb— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 11, 2024
This spectacular play left basketball fans in awe. The collaboration between Steph Curry and LeBron was a moment to cherish, and it fueled fans’ anticipation of seeing them potentially team up in the NBA.
NBA fans deserve to watch them play together 😭
— MrDwin 👨🎨 🇺🇸 🇬🇭 (@MrDwein) July 11, 2024
We’ve been waiting for this
— andre (@shawnvflair) July 11, 2024
Witnessing this dynamic duo in action was a special moment for fans, and it has already made them eager for more thrilling plays in the future.
Need more of this 😭🙏
— Royal Penguin | Ryan (@Royal_Penguinxx) July 11, 2024
The only what ifs in this NBA world if this two played together 🔥
— Free Steph (@smolowkeyDubs) July 11, 2024
Steph Curry Addresses Kawhi Leonard’s Situation
Before Team USA’s 86-72 win over Team Canada, speculation about the team’s decision to replace Kawhi Leonard with Derrick White was rife. After the win, the Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry also addressed the situation during his post-game press conference.
“I know he wanted to play… Hopefully, for the long term, he’s in a good place because the game needs him. When he’s not out there, you miss an all-time great player. We hope he’s ready for this season,” Curry said.
Steph Curry on Kawhi Leonard withdrawing from Team USA before the Olympics: “I know he wanted to play… Hopefully, for the long term, he’s in a good place because the game needs him. When he’s not out there, you miss an all-time great player. We hope he’s ready for this season.” pic.twitter.com/0M3S5UfLtD
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 11, 2024
Leonard wasn’t healthy enough to participate in the Paris Olympics. Team USA could not wait for Leonard to recover fully; hence, they decided to name Derrick White his replacement.
This decision drew a cryptic response from White’s teammate, Jaylen Brown, as he expressed his frustration over being overlooked. Later, Stephen A. Smith also voiced his support for Brown.
Team USA is set to open the Olympics against Serbia on July 28.