The Golden State Warriors have reportedly been keeping a close eye on LeBron James. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Warriors have called the Los Angeles Lakers “on multiple occasions” over the past 18 months to explore trade scenarios that would pair LeBron with 2x MVP, Stephen Curry. While no deal has ever come close to materializing, it confirms what many have suspected: that the Warriors have long been intrigued by the idea of uniting two generational superstars.
“I’m told that the Warriors have called the Lakers on multiple occasions over the past 18 months to see whether there is any trade pathway to pairing [LeBron] James with Stephen Curry, who roughly a year ago at this time was teaming with LeBron for the United States senior men’s national team on its run to a gold medal at the Paris Olympics,” wrote Fischer.
We already knew that the Warriors called for a potential LeBron James trade last February, months before their temporary partnership at the Paris Olympics. This was right before the trade deadline, when James’ frustration with the Lakers was at its peak. As rumors swirled surrounding his future, the Warriors made a cohesive effort to pair him with Steph, but they were shot down by Rob Pelinka and then-Lakers owner Jeanie Buss.
The Warriors vowed in secret not to give up their pursuit of James, but we never heard anything else about the story. When the Warriors eventually added Jimmy Butler to the fold, most fans and analysts assumed it was the end of their LeBron dreams, but it was actually just the beginning.
With LeBron once again on sour terms with his team and sitting on an expiring contract, Golden State has reemerged as a potential landing spot, and now we know they’ve actually reached out to the Lakers at least one more time since being rejected last year.
At 40 years old, LeBron James isn’t your typical aged NBA superstar. In 70 games last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game on 51.3% shooting. He led the Lakers to the third seed in the West and pivoted to a sidekick role upon Luka Doncic’s arrival.
However, as the Lakers look more to the future, it has left James feeling like the odd man out, and his loyalty is being tested like never before. While he’s never outright asked for a trade before, the conditions are perfect for a fresh start with a team like the Warriors.
Alongside Stephen Curry (his longtime rival and friend), James can compete for one last championship in one of the biggest markets in the NBA. He’d have to waive his no-trade clause to make it happen, and the Warriors would have to pay a hefty price, but the results could be historic if they pull it off.
For now, the Lakers haven’t budged, and LeBron hasn’t officially asked out. But if the Warriors keep pushing, and the relationship in L.A. keeps fraying, don’t be surprised if trade talks pick up steam again before February’s deadline. Golden State isn’t chasing this just for headlines. They genuinely believe the Curry-LeBron duo could be unstoppable, and they may be right.
