The Golden State Warriors have been connected multiple times in the past to a potential trade for Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.
Fans have been enamored with the idea of seeing James and Stephen Curry team up before they retire. Now, there could be another opportunity to see that scenario become a reality.
James and the Lakers appear to be headed for a divorce. Whether that divorce happens this offseason via a trade or next offseason when his contract runs out remains to be seen.
A new report came out from longtime NBA reporter John Gambadoro that Los Angeles wants to move on from James as soon as possible. If that is true, the Warriors could have another chance to pull off the blockbuster trade.
With that being said, ESPN has revealed a report as well that shared the fact that Golden State considered pursuing a trade for James after the Lakers acquired Luka Doncic.
"The gigantic trade that had landed Doncic in Los Angeles had formed sudden new realities, one of which was James eventually becoming an expiring contract for the first time in his 23-year career," the report read. "It was the strongest sign yet that the end of his Lakers tenure was near... A handful of teams — including the Golden State Warriors, who tried to trade for James in 2023-24 — considered again whether to make an offer, sources said."
Should Los Angeles begin shopping James now, could the Warriors or another team pull off a deal? Golden State has the pieces necessary to make something work with the Lakers.
Even at 40 years old, James is still capable of being one of the best players in the NBA. He proved that last season by putting up another impressive season.
During the 2024-25 campaign, he played in 70 games. James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and a steal per game, while also shooting 51.3 percent from the floor and 37.6 percent from beyond the three-point arc. Those numbers would help the Warriors make another run with Curry.
It's not extremely likely that James will be traded this offseason. He has one year left on his deal worth over $52.6 million.
That being said, this report is interesting. Golden State has clearly remained interested in a potential trade for James. The Warriors are an option to watch closely as Los Angeles decides what to do with the superstar forward.
Expect to continue hearing rumors about the Lakers and James. Golden State is a team that could make a run at him if he's officially made available.
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