What defines Steph Curry and LeBron James on the big stage? ‘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 half-decade 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 all-time smart players.”

Rather than joy, Lakers coach Frank Vogel pointed to the level of focus displayed by James, who is 6-2 all-time in Game 7 elimination games.

“The biggest thing is obviously the attention to detail, but the attention to detail that he commands of the whole group and not just what he’s doing,” Vogel said. “It’s a sign of a great leader when you’re not just performing at a high level but you’re getting others to perform at a high level.”

Similarly, Curry carrying a shorthanded Warriors team to the cusp of the playoffs this season may be the greatest achievement of his decorated career. In the days leading up to Wednesday night’s showdown, James declared Curry this season’s MVP, and Curry reciprocated the respect.

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.

“Those guys love this kind of atmosphere,” Kerr said, “and really embrace the challenge.”