The last time Stephen Curry played LeBron James in the NBA postseason was in 2018 during the Finals. That was their fourth straight meeting since 2015. Now the two will face each other again, only this time, it's in the Western Conference semifinals and James is a Laker.
Both the Warriors and the Lakers were underdogs when they knocked out the Sacramento Kings and the Memphis Grizzlies respectively in the first round. It took the Warriors more effort to do it while the Lakers enjoyed a longer rest.
As defending champions, the Warriors will need to figure out how to contain James and Anthony Davis, one of the league's best pairs in today's NBA.
The Lakers showed in the series against the Grizzlies that they are smart, physical and experienced enough to beat the West's No. 2 seed. Can they do it again with the same smart, physical and experienced Warriors?
Stephen Curry (#30) of the Golden State Warriors penetrates in Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference first-round playoffs against the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, on April 30, 2023. /CFP
Draymond Green (#23) of the Golden State Warriors competes for the ball in Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference first-round playoffs against the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, on April 30, 2023. /CFP
LeBron James (#6) of the Los Angeles Lakers penetrates in Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference first-round playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, April28, 2023. /CFP
Anthony Davis (#3) of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after dunking on Jaren Jackson Jr. (#13) of the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference first-round playoffs at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, April28, 2023. /CFP
Host: Li Xiang
Cover designer: Feng Yuan