Golden State Warriors legends Stephen Curry and Draymond Green will heavily recruit LeBron James this offseason once free agency starts, sources told Lakers Daily.
James becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason for the first time since 2018. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer is close friends with Curry and Green. James and Green also have the same agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group.
The Warriors tried to acquire James from the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2023-24 season. James, 41, has publicly said in the past that he would love to play with Curry and Green.
James got to play with Curry in the summer of 2024 at the Paris Olympics for Team USA. The NBA icons helped Team USA, coached by Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, win the gold medal.
It’s unknown whether James will retire from the NBA this offseason or continue playing. The future Hall of Famer turns 42 in December and has been in the league since 2003.
Most people around the NBA expect James to re-sign with the Lakers or sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers if he doesn’t retire this offseason, sources said. However, James signing with the Warriors can’t be discounted due to his relationship with Curry and Green.
San Francisco is also only an hour and a half away from Los Angeles via flying. James’ wife and daughter live in Los Angeles. Signing with the Warriors would allow James to be relatively close to his family without staying with the Lakers, who are ready to move on from the James era to fully build around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, sources said.
Warriors forward Jimmy Butler tore his ACL in January and will miss the rest of the season. It’s unknown when or if the veteran will return to the lineup next season, which is why Golden State will pursue James this offseason, sources said, since the team needs a starting swingman.
It will be intriguing to see what James does this offseason. If the four-time Finals MVP doesn’t retire, the Lakers, Warriors and Cavaliers are the teams to watch.