Stephen Curry Calls LeBron James The 'Ultimate Champion'

In an interview on the "Today" show, Warriors superstar Stephen Curry opened up on his longtime competitor and current Olympic teammate, LeBron James. In a candid description of James' career, Steph classified the 4x champion as the ultimate winner.

“He was the shining star of the future of basketball and before he even started high school, he raised the level of the entire league and has continued to do that," Curry said. "The ultimate champion.”

As a 4x champion and a 15-year NBA veteran, Curry knows greatness when he sees it. He's a legend of the game and one of the faces of the modern NBA itself. While he has encountered many challenges in the league, LeBron has always been one of the biggest obstacles blocking his path to success. Even so, Curry has always held a deep appreciation for LeBron's career.

James, drafted first overall in 2003, came from the bowels of Akron, Ohio, and rose to stardom as a teenager at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School. After winning Rookie of the Year in his first NBA season, James continued his ascent to legendary status and made the All-Star team at 20 years old with averages of 27.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game on 47% shooting.

Throughout his career, LeBron beat everything in his path, including Steph and the Warriors in 2016 after going down 3-1 in the Finals. It was LeBron's brilliant play that saved the series and it was a moment that would stick with Curry forever. Even now, years after their last Finals matchup, Steph loves to give James credit for that incredible run.

LeBron held the title of the best player in the league for 10+ years and made history as 4x champion and 4x MVP. Today, he's still going strong as one of the best players in the world. Last season, he averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game for the Lakers as helped them to another playoff appearance.

Sadly, for both LeBron and Curry, their reign at the top has finally come to an end. While both players are still experts at their positions, extended time has led to a slow decline in play and their teams are in no position to make up the difference.

This summer, LeBron has already committed to returning next season to play with his son but beyond that, it's anyone's guess how long he's got left. While the condition of his game is not up for doubt, the Lakers are falling behind the rest of the West and they may not be able to compete with the best in the West.

As the "ultimate champion," LeBron still has every desire to win at this stage of his career but it remains to be seen if GM Rob Pelinka can give him the help he needs to make one final run.