Andrew Pace
LeBron James and Steph Curry are two of the NBA's most successful and celebrated players. Both have enjoyed glittering careers, with Curry's impressive shooting and passing ability making him a key player for the Warriors, and James' defensive prowess and scoring ability making him a formidable opponent. With numerous accolades and championship wins between them, the two players are often compared, with some arguing that James' defensive skills give him an edge, while others claim that Curry's offensive capabilities and ability to create space make him the better player overall.
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What You'll Learn
LeBron's 2024 performance
As of 2023, LeBron James is still performing at a high level, despite being in the latter stages of his career. He has an impressive list of accolades, including being a 21-time All-Star, a 4-time NBA Champion, a 4-time MVP, and a 6-time All-Defensive player.
In terms of his 2024 performance, opinions vary. Some believe that LeBron is still the better player between himself and Stephen Curry, especially when it comes to defensive capabilities. They argue that LeBron's bigger body and defensive skills make him a more impactful player, and that he is a more reliable choice in the playoffs.
However, others argue that LeBron's level has dropped off since 2020, particularly on the defensive end. They suggest that Curry's offensive capabilities and ability to set up shots for his teammates give him an edge, and that Curry's overall impact on the offensive and defensive end for his team is greater.
LeBron's statistics in 2024 support his impressive career-long performance. In 52 starts, he achieved a 28-24 win-loss record, with 25/7/8 and 3 TOV on 53/41/74 splits, and a 61.6 TS%.
While the debate continues, it is clear that even at this stage of his career, LeBron is still performing at an extremely high level and is considered by many to be one of the best players in the league.
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Steph Curry's defence
While LeBron James and Steph Curry are both considered basketball greats, the debate continues as to who is the better player overall. When it comes to defence, opinions vary. Some believe that Curry is a weak defensive player, with his team's other top-level defenders outshining him. However, others argue that Curry is decent, if not good, on defence, especially considering his offensive prowess.
Curry's defensive capabilities have been questioned, with some stating that he is a below-average defender. His defensive rating, which is calculated using height, rebounds, blocks, and steals, has been used as evidence of his lacklustre defence. During his prime, Curry's defensive rating was around 101-102, while the league average is typically around 112. Additionally, the Warriors' defence ranking drops from 4th best in the league when he's on the bench to 16th when he's on the floor.
However, it's important to consider the strategic aspect of defence. Offenses may single out Curry, aiming to tire him out or foul him. This doesn't necessarily indicate that he is a poor defensive player, but rather a strategic choice by the opposing team. Additionally, Curry's impact on the offensive end cannot be overlooked. He generates better offence and defence for his teammates, and his on-off net rating is impressive.
When compared directly to LeBron, opinions vary. Some believe that LeBron is the better defensive player, especially during the playoffs, where his bigger body and defensive skills give him an edge. However, others argue that while LeBron may have a slight edge defensively, Curry's offensive abilities and the overall impact on the game make them equal.
In conclusion, while Steph Curry's defensive abilities have been questioned, it's important to consider the strategic aspects of the game and his outstanding offensive contributions. Curry's defence has been described as decent to good, and while he may not be a standout defender like his teammates, he is far from a liability on the court. His overall impact on the game, including his exceptional offensive skills, cannot be overlooked in the debate about his defensive capabilities.
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LeBron's defence
LeBron James is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and his defensive skills are a key part of his game. Known for his versatility and all-around ability, LeBron has excelled as a defender throughout his career.
One of LeBron's greatest defensive strengths is his size and physicality. Standing at 6'9" and possessing a strong, athletic build, he has the size to guard multiple positions effectively. He uses his strength and agility to disrupt opponents, often taking on the challenge of guarding the other team's best player. LeBron's size also makes him an excellent help defender, as he can recover quickly and contest shots around the rim.
In addition to his physical tools, LeBron is highly intelligent on the court. He anticipates plays well, often predicting an opponent's next move and making decisive rotations to provide help defense. This basketball IQ, combined with his quickness and length, makes him an exceptional defender in the passing lanes, capable of generating steals and starting fast breaks.
LeBron has also been praised for his defensive leadership and communication. He directs his teammates effectively, ensuring they are in the right positions and coordinating defensive strategies. This aspect of his game has been particularly evident in his ability to organize and motivate his teammates during playoff runs, where his defensive presence becomes even more critical.
While some may focus on his offensive prowess, LeBron's defensive impact cannot be overstated. His ability to guard multiple positions, anticipate plays, and lead a defensive unit makes him a formidable defender. Through his career, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to this side of the game, showcasing his all-around greatness and contributing significantly to his team's success.
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Steph Curry's shot setup
While opinions vary on whether LeBron or Curry is the better basketball player overall, it is clear that Curry is an exceptional shooter. Curry is on pace to make the most threes in NBA history, and many consider him to be the greatest shooter of all time.
So, what is Curry's shot setup? Firstly, Curry keeps his shooting shoulder, elbow, and hip aligned. His shoulder is directly behind his elbow, in line with his hip, and his forearm is slightly tilted away from this line, keeping the ball above his shooting eye. As a right-handed shooter, Curry turns his feet slightly to the left to align his right side.
Curry also bends his knee inward, a deviation from the perfect form that coaches teach. This stance is not optimal for most people as it can slow them down, but for Curry, it works. Off the dribble, he is already low, and there is little need to adjust his stance before taking the shot. He puts the ball in his shooting pocket, preferably using his off-hand to allow his shooting hand to go straight into the shooting motion without any extra movement that could affect his accuracy.
Curry places his shooting hand on the side of the ball, above the horizontal middle, with his entire hand making contact. His fingers are spaced out, and his index finger and thumb form a natural "V" shape. His hand is relaxed, with no tension. The shooting arm elbow is close to his side to help with alignment, and he holds the ball in front of the midline of his body to start the shooting motion. This distance and ball position help Curry keep his shooting motion straight and on target.
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Steph Curry's floor spacing
When discussing who is better at basketball, LeBron or Curry, one must consider several factors, including the players' statistics, team performance, and overall impact on the game. While LeBron James is often praised for his defensive skills, Steph Curry is recognized for his exceptional offensive abilities and floor spacing capabilities.
Steph Curry, a talented player for the Golden State Warriors, is renowned for his exceptional skills in floor spacing, which can transform the dynamics of the game for his team. Curry's ability to create space on the court provides him and his teammates with advantageous opportunities for scoring. Curry's exceptional three-point shooting range and accuracy make him a significant threat on the court, demanding attention from the opposing team's defense. This attention that Curry draws creates more open spaces and scoring chances for his teammates, improving the overall offensive flow of the Warriors.
Curry's impact on floor spacing was particularly evident in the Warriors' game against the Chicago Bulls on January 24, 2025. The emergence of rookie Quinten Post as a talented floor spacer further enhanced Curry's performance. Post's three-point shooting capabilities and ability to stretch the defense created more opportunities for Curry and the rest of the team to exploit openings and score. Head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the synergistic effect between Curry and Post's floor spacing abilities, stating that Post's skills could potentially transform the team's offense.
Curry's floor spacing capabilities also extend beyond his interactions with Post. Curry's mere presence on the court demands attention from opposing defenses, creating more room for his teammates to operate. This dynamic was particularly notable when considering Curry's partnership with another star player, AD (Anthony Davis). Curry's floor spacing abilities provide AD with more opportunities to score, as defenses must respect Curry's shooting ability, thus creating more open spaces for AD to exploit.
In summary, Steph Curry's floor spacing capabilities are a significant aspect of his overall impact on the basketball court. His ability to stretch defenses and create open spaces for himself and his teammates enhances the offensive capabilities of the Golden State Warriors. Curry's exceptional shooting skills and court vision contribute to a more fluid and dynamic offensive performance by the team. Curry's floor spacing is, therefore, a crucial factor when considering his overall value as a basketball player.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on what you value in a player. LeBron is a better defender, but Curry is a better floor spacer and has an impressive on-off net rating.
Curry is a better long-range shooter, with a higher 3-point percentage.
In the 2023-24 season, Curry's Warriors had a better win-loss record than LeBron's Lakers.
In the same season, Curry had more starts and a better points per game average.
It's a tough question and depends on your perspective. Some believe LeBron is the better all-around player, while others argue that Curry's offensive impact and ability to make his teammates better give him the edge.
