LeBron James has now left the Los Angeles Lakers and immediately became the most consequential free agent in the sport. It seemed like the Golden State Warriors were moving quickly to position themselves, with Draymond Green declining his player option to create financial flexibility. James’ appearance with Green this week also fueled those rumors.
The optics suggested Golden State was the team to beat. But ESPN’s Shams Charania, appearing on Stephen A. Smith’s show, threw cold water on the entire rumor.
LeBron James May Not Be Headed to Golden State After All
Charania laid out the Warriors’ plan and why it may already be falling apart.
“And I think the big draw for LeBron James with the Warriors would be, let’s see if there’s an avenue to be a package deal to the Warriors. And so short of that, like, I don’t think the Warriors are up on that list. I think the Warriors believe they’re not up on that list unless they’re able to go package for Anthony Davis,” he said.
Golden State’s plan heading into free agency was to reportedly pitch a world-class four-man roster of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis. That is the package that would’ve made it attractive to James.
Without Davis in the picture, Charania is suggesting James does not view Golden State as a destination worth the significant financial sacrifice.
Davis, meanwhile, is in his own complicated situation. He was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Washington Wizards during the 2025-26 season, but has not played a single game due to injury.
If the Warriors want to make a serious run at him, Jimmy Butler would almost certainly anchor the trade package going the other direction. Butler is set to earn $56.8 million in the final year of his contract, and Davis is owed $58.4 million next season. On paper, it could work out.
Marc Stein has reported separately that the Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as the scenario to beat, with James spotted repeatedly in Ohio over the past week.
The Miami Heat are also in the conversation, with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, and Erik Spoelstra representing a pitch rooted in championships rather than sentimentality.
Rich Paul made clear last week that a decision is not coming in the next few days. The Warriors still have time to work the Davis angle and see if the package comes together. But as of Tuesday night, Golden State may not be in the mix for James, according to Charania.
