Once LeBron James made it official that he would not be re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Golden State Warriors immediately jumped into the race.
With veteran Stephen Curry entering the twilight of his career, the Warriors want to pair James with Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler, who is returning from a torn ACL.
Golden State Warriors ‘Determined’ to Sign LeBron James
James has plenty of options, reportedly down to the Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and two of his former teams, the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers. That’s hefty competition, and despite the involvement of legitimate contenders, the Warriors are determined to sign the NBA legend.
Most assumed James would finish his career by returning to Cleveland for a third stint, and joining a team that already has Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, James Harden, and Donovan Mitchell certainly doesn’t seem like a bad idea.
Returning to Miami to team up with Giannis Antetokounmpo or leaving familiar territory to play with Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey with the 76ers or joining Anthony Edwards in Minnesota are also strong options.
However, playing with Curry and Green, with whom James reportedly became close during Olympic play, is also very appealing to James.
The Cavaliers still appear to be heavy favorites to land James for what may be his final season, but that hasn’t stopped the Warriors from going all in on their pursuit of him.
According to Marc Stein of the Stein Line, the Warriors are banking on that relationship and determined to stay in the race until it is over.
“What can be passed on here as confirmed reporting is that Golden State – as much as it has been operating with tangible concern that Cleveland is the closest thing to a frontrunner – has not relented in its pursuit,” reports Stein. “The Warriors, most of all owner Joe Lacob, appear determined to stay in it until the end.”
While James joining the Warriors may not be the best move if he wants to earn a fifth ring, playing with Curry could be a fun way to round out a career.
The Warriors were tied to Anthony Davis, but it appears as though the Wizards may hang on to him. If not, the Warriors may try to make a run at the veteran big man, who won a title with James in Los Angeles, but there aren’t many assets left in the Bay.
Still, James would certainly improve a Warriors team that went just 37-45 last season. Although he will be 42 in December, he still played 60 games and averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 51.5% from the field.
No, we sit back and keep waiting as James mulls his decision.
