Lebron James and Stephen Curry
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LeBron James (L) celebrates Stephen Curry at the end of the men's semifinal basketball match between USA and Serbia.
The Golden State Warriors could be in play for LeBron James this summer.
According to the California Post’s Melissa Rohlin, there is “definitely some level of mutual interest” between James and the Warriors. That report creates an intriguing possibility for Golden State heading into the offseason.
James is finishing the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is making $52.6 million this season and will become a free agent when the year ends. Whether he returns to the Lakers, signs elsewhere, or retires remains unclear.
But the Warriors are apparently in the conversation.
What LeBron James Said About His Future
Golden State Warriors potential target LeBron James
GettyLos Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.
James addressed his future at All-Star weekend but provided no clarity.
“Yeah, I mean, I want to live,” James said when asked about his career plans. “When I know, you guys will know. I don’t know. I have no idea. Just want to live, that’s all.”
The 41-year-old did not engage with multiple questions about potential retirement this summer or career options after his playing days end. He acknowledged he still wants to be part of an NBA ownership group someday, which could become a reality sooner rather than later after commissioner Adam Silver said the board of governors will discuss expansion in March.
For now, James said his focus is on the Lakers’ playoff push. Los Angeles sits at 33-21 and holds the fifth seed in the Western Conference. However, James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves have played just 10 games together this season due to injuries. The Lakers went 7-3 in those games.
“Most important for our ballclub right now is health,” James said. “And I can’t state it any more clear.”
James did not rule out returning for a 24th season. But he also did not commit to it. That uncertainty creates an opening for teams like the Warriors to position themselves as potential destinations.
Why the Warriors Make Sense for LeBron
Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesStephen Curry, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors have a pathway to acquire James if he becomes available.
Golden State traded for Kristaps Porzingis at the deadline, sending Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks. The move gave the Warriors a legitimate frontcourt presence, but they still need another star alongside Stephen Curry.
Jimmy Butler tore his ACL in January and is done for the season. That injury derailed the Warriors’ championship hopes for this year. But it also opened up roster flexibility heading into the offseason. Porzingis is on a $30 million expiring contract, which gives Golden State significant financial flexibility to pursue a free agent like James this summer.
The question is whether James wants to chase another title or prioritize other factors. Playing with Curry in Golden State would give him a legitimate chance to win. The Warriors have the infrastructure, coaching, and supporting cast to compete. James and Curry playing together would be one of the most compelling storylines in recent NBA history.
The Cleveland Cavaliers also remain a likely option for James if he decides to play another season. A farewell tour back home in Cleveland, where he won the city’s first championship in 2016, would be a fitting end to his legendary career. James has deep ties to Northeast Ohio and has spoken fondly about his time with the Cavaliers.
However, James has spent his entire career controlling his own narrative. Joining the Warriors would mean playing second fiddle to Curry in terms of legacy and franchise hierarchy. That may not appeal to him at this stage of his career. A return to Cleveland would allow him to finish on his own terms in the city where his legacy is strongest.
What This Means for the Warriors
The Warriors are not waiting around for James to make a decision.
Golden State is preparing for multiple scenarios this summer. If James becomes available and wants to join the Warriors, they have the ability to make it happen. But if he stays with the Lakers or retires, the Warriors will pursue other options.
The reported mutual interest suggests conversations have already taken place. Teams do not leak this type of information unless there is substance behind it. The Warriors are positioning themselves as a potential destination for James, even if the odds of it happening remain uncertain.
Meanwhile, the Warriors need to focus on the remainder of this season. They sit at 29-26 and are in eighth place in the Western Conference. Getting Curry and Porzingis healthy for the playoffs is the priority. If the Warriors can make a deep playoff run, it strengthens their pitch to free agents this summer.
James will weigh multiple factors in his decision. Winning is one consideration. Legacy, family and lifestyle all play a role at this stage of his career. The Warriors can offer a championship opportunity. Whether that is enough to pull him away from the Lakers or Cleveland remains to be seen.