LeBron James and Steph Curry’s relationship has recently blossomed before our eyes, but it wasn’t always so friendly between the two NBA superstars.

The duo teamed up for the first time at the Paris Olympics to secure gold for Team USA, creating unforgettable moments. However, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, their past wasn’t as harmonious as their Olympic partnership might suggest.

“There was a real tension between them, especially during their Finals matchups,” Amick shared on 95.7 The Game. “It wasn’t necessarily animosity, but they were definite rivals. LeBron’s camp didn’t appreciate it when people started calling Steph the best player in the world, and that caused some friction.”

On the court, the rivalry was apparent, with LeBron using his physical dominance to make a statement, sometimes making Steph appear smaller and younger in comparison. This dynamic only intensified the competitive tension between them.

For many, it was surprising to witness LeBron and Steph enjoying each other’s company during the Olympics, given their intense past.

As for future collaborations, while another Olympic team-up seems unlikely with the next games not until 2028, Steph has hinted at the possibility of teaming up with LeBron again, saying, “Hopefully, there will be more experiences in the future, even if we’re teammates or not.”

It’s clear that the rivalry has evolved, but the respect between these two icons remains strong