One of the promises that went unfulfilled in the 2025 NBA Playoffs was a new showdown between LeBron James and Stephen Curry. However, the Los Angeles Lakers already had a plan in place for the Warriors star—and it was LeBron himself who revealed it.

The Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets in seven games, and it was clear that Curry was constantly met with double and even triple coverage whenever he had the ball. In response, The Chef often chose to remove himself from the offensive play, drawing one or two defenders away with him and creating open opportunities for his teammates.

The Los Angeles Lakers were the favorites in their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, but they managed to win only one game. They were eliminated in five and missed the chance to face the Warriors in the semifinals.

What would that thrilling matchup have looked like? LeBron sat down once again to talk NBA basketball with former player and now coach Steve Nash on the podcast “Mente en el Juego”. The name Stephen Curry came up during their conversation—along with the game plan the Lakers had prepared in case they faced the Warriors.

The plan the Lakers had for Stephen Curry, according to LeBron James

LeBron James and Stephen Curry. (Photo: Getty Images)

“The responsibility of the guy handling the ball: you’re not just responsible for scoring and initiating our offense—you’re also responsible for getting the guys involved, because the defense is going to collapse, you know. A lot of teams double-team even before the play develops. You know, guys just cross half court. They’ll double Steph Curry as soon as he crosses half court. We’re not waiting for Draymond Green to get into the pick and roll. Now, we’re not trying to take the ball out of your hands. You start hunting on defense,” LeBron James revealed.

The reaction across the NBA was one of total shock, and the video featuring LeBron’s words quickly racked up over 208,000 views on YouTube.

Who has more MVP awards in the NBA: LeBron James or Stephen Curry?

When it comes to being Most Valuable Player in a regular season, LeBron holds the edge, having won the award four times, while Stephen Curry has claimed it twice. And in the NBA Finals MVP race? The trend continues—the Los Angeles Lakers star has four Finals MVPs, whereas “The Chef” has just one, which he earned in the 2021–22 season.