Imago
Image Credits: IMAGN Images
Imago
Image Credits: IMAGN Images
Away from the hardwood and flashing cameras, Stephen Curry’s sister Sydel hit a pause in life to fully gather herself before he leaves. The “he” in question is her husband and NBA veteran Damion Lee, who is about to quit the league for good. And here she was on what was her “final date,” signaling a change that hit close to home.
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Taking to her Instagram story, Sydel shared a photo of her husband from a sushi restaurant with the caption, “Final date before he leaves 🥺😭.” A few words to describe a passing moment, but ones that reveal the weight of what’s to come for the Curry-Lee family of five. The change, however, wasn’t so sudden.
Lee’s NBA role had been shrinking over the past couple of seasons. Once a steady contributor and a 2022 NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, he went from averaging 12.7 points during his breakout year to just 3.3 points in limited minutes last season. After injuries and roster changes left him on the margins, the next step was clear: find a place where he could play again. That’s why the veteran guard is heading to Israel for a fresh start.
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On August 23, Lee and Ironi Ness Ziona made it official with a joint Instagram post. The translated message read: “Welcome Damion! 🧡 The NBA champion lands in the heart of the colony.” The move means a new chapter for the Curry-Lee family, too—one that could see Steph Curry’s sister spending more time in the Middle East while Damion looks to reignite his career. Even then, it’s not the first time Sydel has shared her heart publicly when it comes to her husband.
Two years ago, she posted a heartfelt tribute to him: “I will never take for granted the person you are and the strength you give me through every phase of life we’ve been through together,” she wrote. “You make me feel beautiful and loved in ways I never knew were possible. My greatest flex is making you the father of our children 1/1!” That openness made her latest post sting for followers, because they’ve seen the depth of their bond before.
For Damion, this isn’t an ending so much as a pivot—a reality countless NBA players quietly face when the phone stops ringing. One season you’re a rotation piece on a Finals contender, the next you’re searching for a roster spot, knowing the minutes you once had are gone. That’s when moving abroad becomes a lifeline to play meaningful basketball rather than fade into a bench role that barely exists. What helps even more is that European and Israeli clubs had been circling players like Lee all summer, and this one finally matched: a competitive league, a defined role, and a contract that gives him both relevance and runway.
And while the move takes him far from the NBA spotlight, it doesn’t erase what came before. From going undrafted in 2016 to winning a championship with Golden State, logging 315 games, and earning the trust of stars and coaches alike—Lee’s path was built on resilience. Now, his story turns to Israel, where the goal isn’t just about stats, but rediscovering rhythm, staying relevant, and writing the next chapter on his own terms.
Written by
Edited by
Tanay Sahai