CURRY'S TRAINER DOWNPLAYS VIRAL LIMPING VIDEO FROM CHINA TOUR

A video showing Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry walking with a limp during a tour of China has drawn more than six million views online, according to reports. The clip spread after earlier reports suggested Curry's knee issue needed to "be managed" going forward, prompting concern among fans. Curry's longtime trainer, Brandon Payne, dismissed suggestions that the footage signalled a new problem. Payne, who has worked with Curry since 2011, told a reporter that most people who fly long distances and then sit in a car before walking around would look similarly stiff. He said Curry should "enjoy" his current physical condition, adding that ageing affects how anyone moves in the mornings.

Payne began working with Curry after the player suffered severe, recurring ankle injuries early in his career, according to the report. Separately, reporter Monte Poole said in early September that, according to sources, Curry's knee issue "can be managed" but requires ongoing attention, which Poole described as a new experience for a player often regarded as one of the league's most conditioned athletes. Last season, Curry was initially expected to miss about a week of action because of the issue but ended up sidelined for 27 games, the report said. Payne's comments were intended to address concern that had built up around the viral footage.

Warriors teammate Gary Payton II also played down the video, telling a reporter on Sunday that Curry was "just having a hard day" during a workout session. The remarks follow separate reporting from CBS Sports that Curry and the Warriors have agreed a contract extension worth $116 million. According to that report, Curry accepted less than the maximum salary available to him, a move described as giving Golden State more flexibility to pursue a further championship. No changes to Curry's playing schedule have been announced in connection with the video. The Warriors have not issued further comment on the knee issue beyond the reporting already cited.