Potential LeBron James-Steph Curry 2026 Team-Up Claim Detailed

The entire world witnessed what an aging duo of LeBron James and Steph Curry can do as teammates and against serious competition when they led Team USA to a gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

But it seems that basketball fans want to see more of the legendary tandem. So, how possible is it for James and Curry to find a way to play together in the NBA before one of them retires?

According to NBA insider Bobby Marks , 2026 is a year to watch out for a potential James-Curry team-up.

“LeBron James signed a two-year contract this past offseason, and with that contract, there is a player option there,” Marks said during an appearance on NBA on ESPN when asked about a possible path for the two future Hall of Famers to join forces in the league.

“He doesn't have a three-year contract or a four-year contract. He has a player option. He can become a free agent once again next offseason and pick his team that he would want to go to. Of course, that comes with probably leaving $50 million on the table to go to a team like Golden State and join Steph Curry here.”

James signed a two-year deal worth $101.36 million with the Los Angeles Lakers last July, but as Marks mentioned, the latter half of that deal carries a player option, which is worth $52.627 million.

Like James, Curry can become a free agent in 2026, when he’ll be 38. James will be 41 once the 2026 free-agency period sets in.

“I think the big thing is to keep an eye on is maybe the summer of 2026,” Marks said.

“Steph Curry has two years left on his contract. He has the ability to sign an extension. He could become a free agent also. So certainly LeBron next off season or potentially the summer of 26 when both could be free agents.”

A James-Curry NBA partnership remains a pipe dream, but don’t expect the rumors to go away completely anytime soon, especially with Team USA’s success still on everyone’s mind.

Related: LeBron James Makes His Feelings About Playing With Steph Curry Unmistakably Clear