The Golden State Warriors have spent the past year and a half quietly testing the waters on a potential blockbuster move: acquiring LeBron James. Ever since the 2024 trade deadline, when reports surfaced that the Warriors made an attempt for the four-time champion, speculation about a dream partnership between James and Stephen Curry has only grown.
This offseason, Golden State reportedly circled back, making multiple calls to gauge the Lakers’ willingness to deal their aging superstar.
But according to NBA insiders, those calls were met with the same answer from LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul: a flat-out no. And even if James were to soften his stance, the Lakers have no reason to say yes, largely because the centerpiece of the Warriors’ proposal was Jimmy Butler.
Rachel Nichols broke down the situation on the Sports Illustrated podcast with Chris Mannix, brushing aside the idea of LeBron suiting up alongside Curry.
“There’s a little bit of stop trying to make fetch happen with the LeBron situation. Did you see the reporting this week that they have continued to go back to the Lakers about LeBron James?”
“Because that’s not a smart move for the Lakers. Like even if LeBron goes to them, which by the way he has not. And I will still maintain LeBron James for all the bluster and all the social media posts and all the stuff, he does not want to leave Los Angeles.”
“He will fight tooth and nail to get them to do what he wants, but he does not want to leave Los Angeles. So I don’t think he’s going to ask for a trade to San Francisco. And even if he does, there is zero reason for the Lakers to do it.”
“They’re gonna take the Jimmy Butler contract back? Which was, by the way, what the offer was according to I think it was Mark Stein’s outfit that reported it.”
“So stop trying to make fetch happen. Move on strategy-wise. Figure out something else. I know it doesn’t hurt to bank a phone call, but it’s just, I was surprised to see that a fresh reporting this week of they made another attempt and it’s just sort of like guys.”
The reporting suggests that Golden State dangled Butler, acquired earlier this summer, as part of a package for LeBron. While Butler remains a fierce competitor and proven playoff performer, his contract is massive and stretches deep into his mid-30s. For the Lakers, who are already balancing a cap sheet with Luka Doncic at the forefront, absorbing Butler’s deal would derail their long-term plans.
The Lakers’ front office has made its strategy clear. With LeBron opting into his $52.6 million deal for the 2025–26 season, the franchise is preparing for the possibility that he could walk as a free agent next summer.
General manager Rob Pelinka has eyed the 2027 offseason as the moment to make a massive splash, potentially targeting superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokic should they hit the market. Taking on Butler’s contract would tie up future flexibility, leaving the Lakers unable to chase those opportunities.
While the idea of pairing LeBron with Curry sparks intrigue after their dazzling 2024 Olympic run together, the reality is far messier. The Lakers don’t want Butler’s contract, and the King himself seems content to play out his 23rd season in purple and gold.
In the end, the only certainty is that LeBron James will remain a Laker, at least for now. The Warriors’ calls may keep coming, but as long as Butler’s name is attached, the answer will remain the same.
