On the newest episode of Mind the Game, LeBron James drew one of the most unique comparisons of his career. While sitting down with Stephen Curry and podcast cohost Steve Nash, the Los Angeles Lakers star likened Curry’s offensive versatility to that of Los Angeles Dodgers megastar Shohei Ohtani.
The conversation came up as James discussed Ohtani’s historic ability to dominate from the mound and the batter’s box in the same postseason game. James referenced how Ohtani struck out double-digit batters while also hitting home runs in the NLCS, calling it the type of versatility that should not be possible for one athlete.
That idea instantly led him to Curry.
Speaking directly to Steph, James broke down the many ways the Golden State Warriors superstar can dismantle a defense.
“What makes Steph one of the most dangerous players of all time is you’re going to get it in so many different ways,” James said. He then listed scenario after scenario. Semi transition. High pick and roll. Off the ball. Curling, cutting, relocating, sprinting to the corner. “If your pickup point is too low, bang. If your big is not up to touch, bang. If you cover me well, I’m getting off the ball and I don’t care getting off the ball.”
Nash jumped in, noting how many stars hate losing control. James agreed. Curry, he said, embraces it because he knows the ball will always find him again.
“It makes him the greatest shooter of all time and one of the greatest threats in NBA history,” James concluded.
How LeBron’s Praise Reinforces the Warriors Offensive Identity
What stood out most in James’ explanation is how deeply he understands Curry’s style. The Warriors offense is built around misdirection, endurance, and constant movement. Curry modeled his off-ball work after Reggie Miller. His on-ball craft came from studying Nash. The combination turned him into a player who can run an entire offense without pounding the ball every possession.
Even at age 37, Curry continues to lead the league in three-point makes per game and remains the most difficult player in basketball to track for 24 seconds. Golden State’s system relies on perpetual motion, and James acknowledged what opponents have known for a decade. Once Curry gives the ball up, the real chaos begins.
That is what makes the Ohtani comparison land. Ohtani overwhelms opponents because he attacks from multiple angles. Curry does the same, just on hardwood instead of dirt.
Warriors Still Searching for Consistency Despite Curry’s Brilliance
The praise arrives during an uneven stretch for the Warriors. Golden State has flashed high-level play but has struggled to sustain it. Curry recently missed time due to illness but is still averaging more than 26 points per game and remains one of the league’s most efficient scorers.
James’ comments put the focus back on everything Curry does that goes beyond box score numbers. His movement collapses defenses. His gravity creates space for role players. His presence alone keeps Golden State competitive, even when the team’s structure looks shaky.
To complete the Ohtani comparison, though, Curry and the Warriors will need to turn that individual brilliance into another deep postseason run. Golden State has the talent to get back on track, but the early season has shown how narrow the margin for error has become.
Is the Ohtani Comparison Fair
There is no perfect NBA version of Shohei Ohtani because basketball players operate on both ends of the floor. If hitting is offense and pitching is defense, then the closest comparisons would be elite two-way forces like Giannis Antetokounmpo or peak Kawhi Leonard.
Curry does not have the defensive resume to match that description. But that was never really James’ point. The comparison was about range of skill, volume of threat, and the psychological weight a superstar carries into every matchup.
Ohtani dominates because he can win the game from multiple dimensions. Curry does that too. Whether he has the ball, does not have the ball, or is sprinting into space thirty feet from the hoop, the defense remains terrified.
That is the version of Curry James sees. The version that has defined the last decade of the NBA.
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