In the 2020s—and particularly in the last few years—every matchup between forward LeBron James's Los Angeles Lakers and guard Stephen Curry's Golden State Warriors has taken on special meaning. There is a growing sense that both legends—and particularly James—may not have much time left in the NBA.

Amid this bummer of a backdrop, James provided a moment of levity before the Lakers' and Warriors' game Wednesday evening. As he emerged from the tunnel for warmups, he immediately raced over to block a midrange shot attempt from Curry.

The future Hall of Famers then hugged and chatted while fans took in the scene.

This has been a banner year for positive press surrounding the Curry-James duo, even as the NBA's product has taken a barrage of criticism. The duo teamed up to help the United States win a gold medal at the Olympics in Paris in the summer, putting a neat (if informal) bow on their era of basketball.

In the short term, though, both players' squads could badly use a win in the Western Conference's perpetually crowded playoff race.

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as LeBron James Tries to Block Steph Curry Immediately After Taking Court for Warmups.