Just over a month ago, Team USA claimed its fifth straight Olympic gold medal after beating hosts France at the Paris 2024 Olympics. 

The team was led by brilliant and ageless superstars LeBron James and Stephen Curry, who teamed up for the first time in Team USA after countless battles in the NBA.

It was LeBron’s 4th medal in the Olympics, having won bronze in Athens 2004 and gold twice in Beijing 2008 and London 2012, and yet just added another piece to his already GOAT-esque list of accolades as he approaches his 40-year-old season (22nd season) in the NBA. It was perhaps even sweeter for Steph, as the gold medal completed his own trophy cabinet after having achieved everything in the NBA.

What does this gold medal mean for both James and Curry at this point in their careers? Former Golden State Warrior and Los Angeles Laker Juan Toscano-Anderson believes it has cemented their place as one of the best, if not the best players ever to do it. 

“I think it further concretes their legacy. Obviously, they’ve already done what they’ve done and they’ve been in conversations for the best player ever/ top five/ best point guard ever. I think as they continue to add accolades to their shelves, it continues to concrete the idea of them being in the GOAT status,” Toscano-Anderson said in a one-on-one interview with BasketballNews.com. 

“I personally think LeBron is, you know, if not the best player to ever play one of the best players; and I think Steph is the best point guard to ever play.”

Toscano-Anderson had the rare chance of being teammates with both superstars following his stints with both the Warriors and the Lakers, and he detailed how James and Curry are different and similar in their ways of leading their squads.

“They’re very similar in a lot of ways,” Toscano-Anderson mentioned. “Greatness doesn’t happen by accident, I mean they lead by example. They [LeBron and Steph] spend all day at the facility taking care of their bodies and working on their game. Just the way they approach being a professional is very relative and similar.”

“Obviously they’re different – they have different personalities, different guys,” Toscano-Anderson added. “LeBron is probably a little more like goofy and funny, and Steph is very likable and friendly as well. But I think LeBron is more kid-like – he has that side of him that a lot of people don’t see because they only see him in the limelight from a professional standpoint where he has to carry himself in a certain way. So, they’re both very great guys. I really enjoyed playing with both of them, and I will consider both of them friends and I still have a relationship with them both.”

Although not with an NBA team as of the moment, Toscano-Anderson is still around the NBA circuit as he’s about to play for the NBA’s G League United team which will be competing this weekend at the FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Singapore. The 6’7 forward has been a part of this newly formed team to go up against the champions of each continent and he has been enjoying the experience thus far.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Toscano-Anderson said. “We got a lot of talent – different dynamic for me as I’m the oldest on the team (it’s my first time being the oldest on the team). A lot of fun to see the young talent and play with some guys that I’ve never had the opportunity to play with. Then playing with a guy that I’ve known since college (Deonte Burton), he was my roommate in college and this has brought us again – so just a good overall experience.”

When asked about his future basketball plans, Toscano-Anderson is hopeful to play in the NBA again.

“If somebody offers me, playing in the NBA is always my first preference. But obviously, that’s not completely up to me so I’ll revisit that after the tournament.”

Check out the full interview here:

We caught up with former Warrior and Laker Juan Toscano-Anderson (@juanonjuan10) as his @nbagleague United team is set to compete at the 2024 @FIBAIC in Singapore this week ✊🏽

On playing with the NBA G League United ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Ng4KinU216

— BasketballNews.com (@basketbllnews) September 12, 2024