Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry was left frustrated after his team’s defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers, with LeBron James also speaking out on the duo’s rivalry

Basketball star Steph Curry couldn’t hide his disappointment after the Golden State Warriors lost to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in a thrilling NBA match-up.

Despite scoring a game-high 46 points and seven assists, Curry’s team lost 145-144. James, the oldest player in the NBA at 39, scored 36 points plus a career-high 20 rebounds and 12 assists.

The defeat pushed the Warriors down to 12th place in the Western Conference with a 19-24 record. After the game, a frustrated Curry ripped his jersey as he left the court. Despite losing to his long-time rival James, Curry had kind words for the four-time NBA MVP. “Steph came to me after the game and said ‘How does it keep getting better?’” James shared.

He added: “It’s something that you will truly take all in when you are done playing. When you are able to watch with your grandkids and say that I played against one of the best ever to play this game. I think it’s just a true testament to us putting the work in and being true to the game … and just getting back to it.”

Curry shared: “Every year that we get to do this, the back-and-forth, the battles, from all the Finals runs to the playoffs last year after the horn sounded tonight, there was a little laugh of you can’t imagine the scenario where a game like tonight happens. He’s year, what, 22? I’m Year 15.”

He continued: “All the other guys in the league that have been doing it 15-plus years, [Kevin Durant], [Chris Paul], it’s insane. You look forward to the battles, but you also appreciate the mutual respect of what it takes to keep doing what you’re doing at this level because only a few people know how hard it is. I’m happy to be in that group.”

The rivalry between Curry and James is well-known across the league. Warriors star Klay Thompson also praised the pair, who are sure to be Hall of Famers. “It’s been since 2015, nine years,” Thompson told reporters after the game.

 

He added: “That’s incredible. Credit to LeBron for what he’s doing at his age. I mean, guy’s a freak of nature as far as his ability to just play at this level for so long.

“Same with Steph. When you’re younger, you don’t ever really think that basketball will stop because it’s what you love; it’s all you you do.

“But when you do get in your 30s, you realise there’s an endpoint to being an athlete. Knowing that, I am very grateful to be stepping on the floor with those guys and play against LeBron.”