In a world where NBA super teams are the norm, the idea of LeBron James and Stephen Curry joining forces seems like a fan’s ultimate fantasy. But for Carmelo Anthony, Syracuse University’s pride and an NBA legend in his own right, this hypothetical pairing doesn’t necessarily spell championship success.

Anthony shared his insights on his podcast “7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony and Kid Mero.” The episode, which also featured Draymond Green, took a deep dive into whether a LeBron-Curry tandem could indeed clinch an NBA championship. That portion of the episode can be viewed below.

“I think you have mature individuals that understand each other… The basketball, I think that’s the easiest part because you got a bunch of guys who know the game, ain’t in competition with the next guy… You also have a group of guys that know how to win… I think that teams win a championship no problem. Easy,” Green expressed with confidence.

“I don’t think so. I don’t think they win a championship,” began Anthony. But the Syracuse legend’s hot take cooled off as he explained his reasoning. “There’s no way that LeBron James would be able to join the Golden State Warriors,” Anthony mused, pointing towards the logistical improbabilities and the intricate dance of team dynamics and roster configurations.

The backstory
This debate is layered with irony, considering the epic showdowns between James and Curry in the NBA Finals from 2015 to 2018, which have become the stuff of basketball lore. Curry and James were famously born in the same Ohio hospital before Curry relocated to North Carolina, where his father played for the Charlotte Hornets. Likely for this reason, Anthony’s remarks have been trending in North Carolina more than any other state.

Meanwhile, the Lakers and Warriors are surging
As this discussion unfolds, both the Lakers and Warriors, the respective homes of James and Curry, are scripting their ascent up the Western Conference standings. After a pair of slow starts, the Warriors are now ranked 10th in the Western Conference, and the Lakers 9th. Analysts give the Warriors the 19th best chance to win the 2024 NBA Finals, and the Lakers the 20th, while FanDuel is offering slightly longer +4200 futures odds for a Warriors title than the Lakers at +4000.

Wrapping up
While the prospect of James and Curry teaming up sparks the imagination, Anthony’s perspective serves as a grounding force, reminding us of the nuanced realities that govern the sport. As basketball enthusiasts, we’re left to marvel at the what-ifs, all while appreciating the game’s inherent unpredictability and the ongoing quests of its current titans.