Stephen Curry is using more than basketball to recruit LeBron James to the Golden State Warriors. He’s also selling the Bay Area’s golf courses.

Speaking at the 2026 American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course on July 9, Curry addressed the Warriors’ pursuit of James. The four-time NBA champion informed the Los Angeles Lakers he plans to continue his career elsewhere for the 2026-27 season.

What did Stephen Curry say about recruiting LeBron James?

“I don’t have a percentage. It’s kinda up to him,” Curry told ESPN’s Anthony Slater. “I feel like any place he calls and says, I want to play there, you move mountains to make it happen. And I know we’re in that boat as well.”

Curry then laid out his pitch. “The pitch is: Do you want to play good basketball and be around people who know how to play the game? Raise our floor, competitiveness…There’s good golf in the Bay.”

He added that the organization’s track record speaks for itself. “That’s really just self explanatory no matter where he sees himself fitting.”

Why it matters for Stephen Curry and the Warriors

James has become the most sought-after free agent after ending his Lakers tenure. Multiple contenders are in the mix — the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets are all linked to the four-time champion.

But Golden State keeps surfacing as a favorite. James has strong relationships with Curry, Draymond Green and coach Steve Kerr. The two stars also played together for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning a gold medal.

That bond matters. Curry and James have been rivals for over a decade. Teaming up in Golden State would reshape the NBA’s power balance.

What comes next for LeBron James?

James hasn’t announced a timetable for his decision. Curry made it clear the Warriors are ready to make their case whenever the opportunity arrives.

“Hopefully raise our floor on our competitiveness this year,” Curry said. He pointed to organizational stability and, of course, the golf.

The Bay Area has premier courses. Curry is an avid golfer himself, and he knows that appeals to James, who also loves the game.

For now, the basketball world waits. But Curry’s pitch is out there: championship basketball, a winning culture, and good golf.