Steph Curry and LeBron James given shock positions in The Ringer's list of top 20 NBA stars as fans stunned

Steph Curry and LeBron James mighty be the two defining NBA players of their generation, but where they have been ranked in a recent online article is causing a stir among fans.

Curry, who turned 37 last month, is a two-time MVP who has led the Golden State Warriors through an era of dominance that saw them claim four championships.

Regarded as the greatest shooter of all time, the gifted point guard revolutionised the way basketball is played with his three-point prowess. And even at his advanced age, he remains highly effective, averaging 24 points, 4.3 rebounds and six assists per game so far this season for the Warriors, who currently sit sixth in the Western Conference standings with a record of 43-31.

James even even older. Now in his 22nd season in the NBA, the four-time MVP and four-time champion celebrated his 40th birthday in December. In a glittering career that has seen him enter the GOAT debate alongside Michael Jordan, he continues to break new ground.

LeBron James and Steph Curry are two of the best players of their generation

Just this season, he became the first player to reach 50,000 total points scored, while he and his eldest son Bronny became the first father-son duo ever to play together in the NBA.

James currently averages 24.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.4 assists, while the Lakers – who shocked the NBA world by trading for Luka Doncic in February – are fourth in the West, with a record of 46-29.

And in the latest set of player rankings published by The Ringer, the legendary pair both figure well within the top 10.

Serbian superstar Nikola Jokic is No.1, with Oklahoma City Thunder guard and MVP favourite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander No.2.

"Greek Freak" Giannis Antetokounmpo is third, while Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is a No.5 and Doncic rounds out the top five.

The Ringer's writers then slotted Curry in a No.6, with James one spot further back at No.7.

But many fans don't agree with how the two ageing icons have been ordered.

"No way Steph should be ahead of LeBron lol," said one Reddit commenter.

"I just don’t believe Steph is still the 6th best player in basketball," another added.

"HOW, HOW Steph ahead Bron?? Not bad list," commented another.

One poster had a more detailed analysis of the ranking.

"While I love Steph, is he really 6th? Seems kinda high at this point; especially putting him over LeBron. He is still one of the most dangerous players in the league though, so I guess it is what it is."