As trade rumors swirl around LeBron James and the possibility of a blockbuster move involving the Golden State Warriors, former NBA All-Star Joe Johnson has added fuel to the debate with a bold take: If LeBron wants another ring, his best shot isn’t with Luka Dončić, it’s with Stephen Curry.
“If I have to choose, I’m going Steph,” Johnson said during a recent appearance on Nightcap. “He gonna command so much attention that LeBron will really get to play a natural position, which is like more of a facilitator. Yeah, he gonna probably still score about 22 to 25 points a night, but him facilitating? Oh my god.”
Johnson’s argument hinges on basketball fit rather than star power. While Dončić is entering his prime and boasts MVP-level production, his ball-dominant style overlaps with LeBron’s. Both players thrive with the ball in their hands, orchestrating offense and controlling tempo. That overlap, Johnson suggests, could limit LeBron’s ability to play freely and efficiently.
Curry, on the other hand, is one of the few superstars who excels off the ball. His gravity, drawing defenders even when he’s not touching the ball, creates space and opportunities for teammates. In Johnson’s view, that dynamic would allow LeBron to slide into his most natural role: a high-IQ facilitator who can still score but doesn’t need to dominate possessions.
The idea of LeBron and Curry teaming up has long been a fantasy among fans, especially after their chemistry at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Warriors reportedly reached out to the Lakers about a potential trade, though LeBron’s no-trade clause and agent Rich Paul’s public stance suggest it’s unlikely to materialize.
Still, Johnson’s comments reflect a growing sentiment: that LeBron, now 40, would benefit from playing alongside a superstar who complements rather than competes with his skill set.
Dončić averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists last season for the Lakers, while LeBron posted 23.7 points on 50.2% shooting in their 23 games together. The duo led L.A. to a 50–32 record and the third seed in the West, but were bounced in the first round by Minnesota.
Curry, meanwhile, remains one of the most efficient scorers in the league and has shown he can thrive alongside other ball-dominant stars, see Kevin Durant and Draymond Green. A LeBron-Curry pairing would offer a blend of off-ball movement, elite passing, and championship pedigree.
