Shockwaves were sent around the NBA world earlier in February with reports that the Golden State Warriors had their eyes on LeBron James.
A report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne indicated that Golden State had talked to the Los Angeles Lakers’ brass and James’ reps ahead of the Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline in an attempt to bring the all-time great to Northern California.
Almost immediately, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss shot down the possibility, according to the report. James also wasn’t interested in an in-season move to a Pacific Division rival.
While nothing came to fruition on this end during the season, there is no telling whether it will be revisited once the summer gets going around the Association.
Things have been contentious between the 39-year-old James and his Lakers organization over the years. It was ahead of the NBA trade deadline that James seemingly pushed Los Angeles to make a move. It did not. This has led to speculation that a divorce could be in the cards.
“Not only are rival executives increasingly convinced that James might want out, but they’re also focused on the Bronny James factor, which continues to loom large. James has been talking for years now about the dream scenario of playing with his oldest son who, if he chooses, can leave USC this summer and enter the draft. The idea, then, is that any team that wants to up its chances of landing James should make it a priority to go after Bronny first.”
LeBron James report from The Athletic
While it is increasingly unlikely that Bronny will declare for the 2024 NBA Draft, his father could very well move on from the Lakers this offseason. James has a player option worth $51.42 million. There is no guarantee that he’ll pick it up. Even if he does, forcing a trade could be in the cards.
James to the Warriors makes a ton of sense for both parties. Here’s why.
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LeBron James has always wanted to play with Stephen Curry
It’s not a well-kept secret that Curry is the one NBA player James would love to suit up with before his career comes to a conclusion at some point soon. He’s made this point several times in the past.
“Steph Curry is the one I want to play with, for sure, in today’s game. (He’s) lethal, man. When he gets out his car, you better guard him right from the moment he pulls up to the arena. Soon as he gets out of his car, you better guard his a**. You might want to guard him when he gets out of bed. Swear to God.”
LeBron James back in 2013
Curry responded a short time later, indicating that he was not interested in playing with James.
“Well, he’s got his wish. When he’s the captain he’s picked me the last two All-Star games. I don’t know if that suffices, but I’m good right now,” Curry said last year.
Things have since changed for the Warriors. When Curry made those comments, they were defending NBA champions. After a second-round exit to James in the Lakers in last year’s NBA Playoffs, Golden State heads into the All-Star Break with a .500 record and looks very much to be a pretender out west.
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Golden State Warriors are LeBron James’ best chance to compete for NBA title
Let’s look at it from this perspective. Given the way James and Curry are playing at their relatively advanced ages, would there be a better duo in the NBA today? I am not too sure. The two have been on a different planet in comparison to other stars late in their careers. The numbers are hard to push back against.
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3 PT% |
| LeBron James | 24.8 | 7.2 | 7.8 | .520 | .395 |
| Stephen Curry | 28.0 | 4.4 | 5.0 | .462 | .421 |
That’s just not normal.
If James were to force his way from the Lakers in a trade, they’d likely be looking for young players and draft pick compensation. Without James, Los Angeles is a bottom feeder. It also must be noted that the Lakers’ brass has been holding on to its own future first-round picks. That’s led to some frustration on James’ part.
Any move to the Warriors would have to be via a trade due to the NBA salary cap and Golden State’s luxury tax issues. It’s in this scenario that Golden State offers up Chris Paul’s expiring contract as a way to help the salaries work. From there, Andrew Wiggins’ deal would match the salaries. Los Angeles could then flip him for more assets while adding multiple future unprotected first-round picks from the Warriors.
Jonathan Kuminga could also come into the conversation. Though, Golden State has made him nearly untouchable. Moses Moody and studly rookie Brandin Podziemski are two players that would certainly intrigue the Lakers.
This is the long-form way of saying that Golden State could acquire James while still keeping the core three of Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. It’s an old team. It’s a win-now team. But it’s also an NBA title favorite.
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LeBron James situation different than Kevin Durant
Would James’ legacy be tarnished by joining the Warriors? We saw Durant on the receiving end of criticism after he joined a 73-win Warriors team back in 2016. I don’t envision the same type of push back when it comes to James.
First off, Durant was in the prime of his career. He bolted the Oklahoma City Thunder for a team that defeated him in the playoffs weeks earlier. The very same team that bested the Chicago Bulls’ record for regular-season wins and had three future Hall of Fame players entering their own primes. Push back was inevitable.
This situation is vastly different. James is in the twilight of his career. He’s already won four NBA titles. His legacy is going to be his legacy. Nothing will scar that. Joining other future Hall of Famers who are also in the back end of their careers is in no way similar to what we saw from Durant years ago. It’s that simple.