LeBron James pays tribute to Stephen Curry after Warriors vs. Lakers absence
The NBA's defining rivalry of the past decade may be entering its final stretch, but LeBron James has made it clear that Stephen Curry's long-term health is more important than another big showdown.
Curry sat out the Golden State Warriors' 105-99 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena while continuing to recover from patellofemoral pain syndrome in his right knee.
The absence erases yet another chapter in one of basketball's most iconic matchups as both superstars continue the latter stages of their careers.
After James scored 20 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists in 35 minutes, he addressed Curry's absence in the postgame interview.
“Oh, sure,” James said when asked if he preferred Curry on the court, via ESPN's Lisa Salters. “Obviously, the most important thing is health. Especially for both of us, we are at the stage of our careers so Stephen will be fit soon and we miss him here.”
Curry's injury has forced him to miss Golden State's past three games, and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr admitted the team is taking a cautious approach as the All-Star break approaches.
“I think there's a good chance he won't be able to play until after halftime,” Kerr said. “We're just taking it day by day, but [Monday]he doubted it. ” according to a reporter from the Golden State Warriors.
Golden State is scheduled to play Memphis and the San Antonio Spurs before the All-Star festivities, but Curry's potential return is targeted for the second half of the season. Kerr also provided an update on another key piece expected to be launched later this year.
“He practiced with Rick today, so we'll see what happens next,” Kerr said. “I think the plan is for him to be in the Bay Area throughout the All-Star break and play after the All-Star break,” a reporter for the Golden State Warriors reported.
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