Now that the Los Angeles Lakers are eliminated from the playoffs, the obvious question is what's next for LeBron James.
Is he retiring? Will he stay in Los Angeles? Is he going back to Cleveland or heading to Golden State?
Nobody knows yet. But NBA legend Gary Payton is adamant that James will join the Warriors if he decides not to continue with the Lakers, per the NightCap podcast.
“There’s a good shot if he leaves, he’s going to Golden State, Payton said. “I’m telling you he’s coming to Golden State if he leaves.”
Gary Payton on LeBrons future:
“There’s a good shot if he leaves, he’s going to Golden State. I’m telling you he’s coming to Golden State if he leaves”
(Via @NightcapShow_) pic.twitter.com/CvkkoUw4LN
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) May 12, 2026
James will be a free agent this offseason. The speculation is that the Warriors will sign him to play alongside his friends, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, and contend for the title. Plus, even at 41, James would help elevate an aging roster, given that he remains one of the top players in the game.
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In early April, speculation swirled that the Warriors would go for James in free agency. However, James would likely take a huge pay cut due to financial constraints. On the flip side, James returning to Cleveland would be the ultimate send-off, back to where it all started.
Plus, he would be playing alongside a younger core with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. A team with budding potential to win that needs that major boost.
Moreover, his son, Bronny James, is asking everyone to let things play out during this offseason.
Once again, the future is entirely in James' hands, and nobody else's.
Now that the Los Angeles Lakers are eliminated from the playoffs, the obvious question is what's next for LeBron James. Is he retiring? Will he stay in Los Angeles? Is he going back to Cleveland or heading to Golden State? Nobody knows yet. But NBA legend Gary Payton is adamant that James will join the Warriors if he decides not to continue with the Lakers, per the NightCap podcast.