Paul Pierce believes Stephen Curry and LeBron James might be compared more closely if something unique happens during the 2025 playoffs.
With the 2025 playoffs kicking off tonight, all eyes are on LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. The legendary superstar begins his quest for a coveted fifth NBA championship.
The road ahead is not going to be easy, as a stacked Western Conference lies ahead. One of the obstacles ahead is one of LeBron’s biggest rivals – Stephen Curry.
Curry put on an iron-man performance to help the Warriors reach the playoffs. And if both stars lead their sides to a first-round win, they could be set to face off again.
But Paul Pierce believes both players’ legacies could be altered entirely if one outcome occurs by the time the NBA season ends.
Read More: Bill Simmons picks out Stephen Curry situation he spotted that makes him worried about Golden State
Paul Pierce spoke on Thursday’s episode of ‘Speak’ about LeBron James and Stephen Curry. Pierce believes success for Curry comes at a cost for James.
The former NBA champion claimed that should Curry surpass James in championships, fans would have some tough conversations.
“If Steph Curry wins the championship or one more championship, gets the Finals MVP, we are going to have some very, very, very, very uncomfortable conversations…”
“Because that’s going to mean, in the LeBron era, he would’ve won his fifth title with pretty much three different squads.”
“Seriously, if he wins one more. Think about that. He wins the era. In the LeBron era. Whose era is this? LeBron, KD, and Curry. This is that era, right?”
“He gets five championships, and Bron stays with four, and a unanimous MVP, it’s going to get real uncomfortable, I promise you.”
Read More: Udonis Haslem names Warriors player who he feels is smarter than Dwyane Wade and LeBron James
Both Stephen Curry and LeBron James are tied at four championship each. So the big question remains – which player needs their fifth championship more?
Well, one could make the argument that it’s LeBron James. He is nearing the end of his career, and a fifth ring puts him just one behind Michael Jordan, his rival in the GOAT debate.
On the other hand, Stephen Curry winning a fifth ring would elevate him into that conversation. While Shaquille O’Neal has called for Curry to be considered in the GOAT debate, another ring would cement it.
Hopefully, we get to see the two legends face off one more time, as they compete to usurp each other in the hunt for another title.
