PLAY-IN FUN

Superstars LeBron, Curry share not only excellence but joy

Few have competed with and against as many all-time greats as Warriors coach Steve Kerr. From his days sharing the court with Michael Jordan, to taking the Finals stage with Stephen Curry and LeBron James four times, Kerr has seen up close how these world-class performers handle high-stakes moments.

Ahead of Wednesday night’s play-in game between the Warriors and Lakers, Kerr said what stands out about players such as Curry and James is their “joy” that reflects their level of comfort performing in high-pressure moments.

“What defines them all is their joy in playing in games like these,” Kerr said before Wednesday’s tipoff at Staples Center. “I guess if you get that

good, maybe the regular season is boring to you. But players who perform well in big games generally really enjoy it.”

Between Curry and James — the names atop this marquee matchup to determine which team will advance to the playoffs as the No. 7 seed, and which must play Friday for a chance to claim the No. 8 seed — the pair of former MVPs have appeared in 15 Finals series (four against each other), and have seven rings.

In fact, no two players have defined the last halfdecade of the NBA as much as Curry and James. At least one of them has appeared in every Finals since 2015. According to Kerr, there’s no greater challenge in the sport than beating James.

“He’s not only one of the all-time great players,” Kerr said, “but he’s one of the alltime smart players.”

Compliments and pleasantries aside, once the game begins Curry and James will lock into the joy and focus that has brought them this far in their careers.

PHOTOS BY KEITH BIRMINGHAM — SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NEWS GROUP The Warriors’ Stephen Curry flips up a shot after driving past the Lakers’ Kyle Kuzma in the first half Wednesday at Staples Center.

Andrew Wiggins tries to muscle up a shot through Lakers defenders Alex Caruso, left, and Talen Horton-Tucker in Wednesday’s play-in game.

KEITH BIRMINGHAM — SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NEWS GROUP The Lakers’ LeBron James reacts after getting a foul called on him in Wednesday night’s play-in game.