For the first time in many years, LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers is uncertain. Despite opting into his $52.6 million contract for the 2025–26 season, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer faces questions about his commitment as the Lakers scramble to address roster weaknesses following their first-round playoff exit.
The Lakers have seemingly identified Luka Dončić as their top roster priority and appear to be building toward a future with him leading the way, while LeBron James, who doesn’t have much time left in the league, has expressed a desire to contend for a championship immediately. If the divide grows, he could finally be on the move, with the Golden State Warriors among the most frequently floated destinations.
LeBron James to the Warriors?
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania was the first to report the news of James exercising his player option, but what accompanied the announcement sounded like a warning to the Lakers.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship. He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all,” James’ agent Rich Paul said.
The Lakers have failed to make any moves so far that give them “a realistic chance of winning it all,” and there is a strong possibility James may request a trade. As such, James linking up with Stephen Curry in Golden State would be a dream scenario for many NBA fans. For anyone unsure whether they can perform at their best together, just watch their Paris Olympics performance for Team USA.
Team USA claimed gold in the men’s basketball gold medal match at #Paris2024, defeating France 98-87 in an epic showdown.
Stephen Curry led the team with 24 points, while LeBron James and Kevin Durant brought their A-game to secure another historic victory. 🥇🏀#Olympics pic.twitter.com/02zjLsfPRq
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) November 21, 2024
PFSN’s Bjorn Bergstrom floated the idea of the Warriors trading for James, possibly sending Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and a stash of draft picks to the Lakers for the four-time NBA champion.
“Though the Golden State Warriors just added former Miami Heat All-Star forward Jimmy Butler III at last season’s NBA Trade Deadline, they may not be done making moves and could make another swing for the fences,” Bergstrom wrote.
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Adrian Wojnarowski, the notion of LeBron James joining the Warriors was seriously considered during the 2023-24 season.
“Though it fizzled out when James opted to stay in Los Angeles, and both teams made sizable trades within the next year (the Warriors for Butler and the Lakers for Dončić), the seed has already been planted,” Bergstrom wrote. “Consider James and Stephen Curry’s longtime respect for one another and their run to the gold medal together at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and the two would form a scary duo.”
While the Lakers can complete a sign-and-trade of Kuminga’s contract, Moody could give them some wing shooting and defense around Dončić. Some of the draft picks could be used to replace James’ outside shooting. It would be a perfect opportunity for the Lakers to build around Dončić for the future, while the Warriors immediately become favorites to “win it all” next season.
“Going to the Warriors would allow James to stay in California while forming an imposing, experienced quartet with Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green — immediately making Golden State title contenders,” Bergstrom concluded.
That said, James has not requested a trade. But it’s abundantly clear that hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy one final time is his top priority, and it just so happens Curry is chasing the same goal before he hangs it up.
