Stephen Curry Once Excluded LeBron James From His All-Time Starting 5: “I Got to Magic [Johnson], MJ [Michael Jordan], Larry Bird (Pauses). I’m Gonna Go With..”

Having witnessed so many legends play in the league over the years, picking out an all-time five is one of the toughest tasks. Among the most commonly featured names, is that of Lakers icon LeBron James. The 37-year-old continues to shatter age barriers while also being one of the top-ranked forwards. As the Warriors take on the Lakers on Saturday, ace Warriors guard Stephen Curry once omitted the King from his list of five.

There was a time when the NBA was all about the Stephen Curry and LeBron James rivalry. After all, the Warriors and Cavaliers were dominant forces in their prime. Regardless of their on-court battles, the pair has always admitted their immense respect for one another. Although James is a senior star, he has gone on record to express his admiration for Curry’s style on numerous occasions. But did Steph return the favor in his all-time lineup?

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Stephen Curry shockingly left out LeBron James from all-time lineup

In the ongoing 2021-22 season, Curry broke the record for the most threes in the league. Undoubtedly, he is one of the best shooters that we have ever seen. But who does the 8-time All-Star put among the five best players in history? Interestingly, Steph was asked about the same, way back in 2014. Having been put on the spot, the Golden State Warrior managed to choose a star-studded lineup. However, one particular superstar did not make the list.

By 2014, Curry was already a well-established sensation in the NBA. In an interview with Bleacher Report, he was asked to name his all-time NBA starting five. To this, Curry replied, “Whew, that is a tough question. I got to Magic [Johnson], MJ [Michael Jordan], Larry Bird (pauses). I’m gonna go with Wilt [Chamberlain]. We’re going small, so Oscar Robertson.” Shockingly, there was no LeBron.

Although we are well aware of how challenging the decision was, LeBron James will have most certainly been next on Curry’s list.

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Where do you rate the 4-time champion in the GOAT debate? Let us know in the comments below.