Stephen A. Smith Explains Why LeBron James “Doesn’t Deserve” to Play with Stephen Curry

Stephen A. Smith, the outspoken ESPN analyst known for his fiery takes, has once again stirred the pot. In a recent segment on First Take, Smith emphatically declared that LeBron James “doesn’t deserve” to play alongside Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry. His comments were a mix of criticism for LeBron’s career decisions and praise for Curry’s legacy as a homegrown, loyal cornerstone of the Warriors franchise.

The segment has since sparked debates across the NBA community, with fans and analysts weighing in on whether Smith’s assessment holds merit or is simply another provocative take meant to generate buzz.

Stephen A.’s Argument

Smith’s primary argument against a potential LeBron-Curry partnership stems from their contrasting career paths. He highlighted the differences in how the two superstars have built their legacies, pointing out that LeBron has frequently relied on forming superteams, while Curry has remained loyal to the franchise that drafted him.

“LeBron James has had the privilege of playing with Hall of Famers throughout his career—Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis,” Smith said. “Meanwhile, Stephen Curry stayed in Golden State, built the team from scratch, and won without having to go somewhere else or recruit big stars to save him.”

Smith further argued that allowing LeBron to join forces with Curry would undermine the purity of Curry’s legacy. “Steph Curry doesn’t need LeBron,” Smith declared. “LeBron needs Steph. That’s the difference. And quite frankly, LeBron doesn’t deserve to ride on Steph’s coattails to get another ring.”

LeBron’s History with Superteams

Smith’s comments reflect a broader criticism often directed at LeBron—that his career success has been heavily dependent on forming superteams.

Miami Heat Era (2010-2014): LeBron famously joined Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, forming the first modern “Big Three.” While the move was highly successful, resulting in two championships, it also drew backlash for what many perceived as a shortcut to success.
Cleveland Cavaliers (2014-2018): LeBron returned to Cleveland, but not without ensuring the Cavaliers traded for Kevin Love to form another Big Three alongside Kyrie Irving.
Los Angeles Lakers (2018-Present): In Los Angeles, LeBron recruited Anthony Davis, who became instrumental in the Lakers’ 2020 championship run.

Smith argued that these moves, while effective, contrast sharply with Curry’s approach. “Steph built a dynasty with players who were drafted and developed—Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, even Kevin Durant came to his team,” Smith said. “Steph didn’t leave. He stayed and made Golden State the powerhouse it is today.”

Why Curry’s Legacy Matters

Stephen A. Smith also spent significant time praising Curry’s loyalty to the Warriors. He argued that Curry’s ability to win multiple championships without leaving Golden State makes his legacy unique in today’s NBA, where player movement is more common than ever.

“Steph Curry’s loyalty is what makes him special,” Smith explained. “He didn’t chase rings. He didn’t join a stacked team. He is the stacked team. That’s why pairing him with LeBron would feel wrong—it’s not in line with what Steph represents.”

Smith added that Curry’s legacy as the face of the Warriors dynasty would only be diminished if LeBron were to join forces with him. “Curry doesn’t need LeBron to win. He’s already proven that. And putting them together would feel like cheating the game.”

The Hypothetical Pairing

The idea of LeBron James and Stephen Curry playing together has been a hot topic of discussion ever since LeBron expressed his admiration for Curry during a 2022 episode of The Shop. When asked which active player he’d most like to team up with, LeBron didn’t hesitate to name Curry, calling him “lethal” and praising his ability to shoot the ball from anywhere on the court.

Curry, while flattered by the comments, quickly shut down the speculation, stating, “I’m good right now.” The Warriors star emphasized his commitment to Golden State, making it clear that he has no interest in teaming up with LeBron.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

Stephen A. Smith’s remarks have, unsurprisingly, sparked heated debates among fans and analysts.

Supporters of Smith: Many agree with Smith’s take, arguing that Curry’s legacy as a self-made champion stands in stark contrast to LeBron’s reliance on forming superteams. Fans of Curry see him as the ultimate competitor who built his dynasty the “right way.”
Critics of Smith: On the other hand, LeBron’s fans argue that forming superteams is a reflection of his leadership and adaptability. They believe Smith’s take unfairly diminishes LeBron’s accomplishments and overlooks the fact that basketball is a team sport.

On social media, the debate has gone viral, with hashtags like #LeBronvsSteph and #StephenASays trending as fans passionately weigh in on both sides.

The Reality: Is a LeBron-Curry Partnership Possible?

Logistically, a LeBron-Curry partnership is highly unlikely. LeBron is under contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, and Curry is firmly committed to the Golden State Warriors. Both players are also nearing the twilight of their careers, making such a move improbable.

Additionally, the Warriors have built their team around Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, while LeBron’s Lakers are structured around his leadership alongside Anthony Davis. Any attempt to unite the two stars would require a massive shakeup that neither team is likely to consider.

Conclusion

Stephen A. Smith’s bold claim that LeBron James “doesn’t deserve” to play with Stephen Curry adds fuel to the ever-ongoing debate about NBA legacies and superteam culture. While the idea of the two superstars teaming up is an exciting hypothetical, Smith believes it would undermine the individual legacies both players have worked so hard to build.

For now, the possibility of a LeBron-Curry partnership remains a fantasy. As Smith bluntly put it, “LeBron, stay yo’ a** in Southern California and figure it out. Let Steph do what Steph does best—win the right way.”

Whether fans agree or disagree with Smith, one thing is certain: his comments have reignited one of the NBA’s most captivating debates