LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 119-103 win against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, snapping their three-game skid. Without his co-stars, James took over for the Lakers and had a 26-point performance. The NBA star also had eight rebounds, 11 assists and two steals.
Both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves missed the game because of injury. Doncic traveled to Spain to address his hamstring strain, while Reaves remained in L.A. with the team as he recovers from a Grade 2 left oblique strain.
Fortunately for James and the Lakers, the Warriors were shorthanded. All-Star guard Stephen Curry did not play because of injury management; he had returned to action on Sunday after missing 27 straight games. Veterans Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford did not play either, nor did second-year player Quinten Post.
LeBron James Appreciates Stephen Curry Wearing His Shoes
(Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Although Curry did not play, he was on the Warriors bench to show his support for the team. Because he does not currently have a shoe sponsorship deal, the four-time champion continues to wear various basketball brands. For Thursday's game, he wore a pair of Nike LeBron X IDs.
During the game, the two future Hall of Famers greeted each other, and James showed appreciation for Curry wearing one of his classic signature shoes. Speaking to Allie Clifton of the "Lakeshow" podcast after the game, the Lakers star said of the gesture:
“I mean, you got one of the all-time greats ever to rock my kicks, that was super cool. I saw the picture today when he went to Cleveland, he had my first signature kick and then he had on the 10s today. Super special.
“I think those were actually a colorway for him, I believe. I believe. We made them for him when he was with Nike at the time. But those Golden State colors, they look good on him. That's special,” he added.
Curry and Under Armour ended their 12-year partnership in November 2025. Since then, the two-time MVP has worn a variety of footwear both on and off the court.
The Nike LeBron X was released during the 2012-13 NBA season, a special part of James' career. It was after the Lakers star won his first NBA championship and Finals MVP.
