The Lakers are on the verge of a major shift as the 2025 NBA offseason progresses. As they keep their focus on Luka Doncic, it has left LeBron James feeling alienated, and now, for the first time in his career, he’s playing on an expiring contract that is set to make him a free agent in 2026. The situation has become volatile in Los Angeles, and all signs point to an ugly and dramatic breakup that will change everything.
“The gigantic trade that had landed Doncic in Los Angeles had formed sudden new realities, one of which was James eventually becoming an expiring contract for the first time in his 23-year career,” wrote ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst. “It was the strongest sign yet that the end of his Lakers tenure was near. Executives around the league scurried to decode it. One Eastern Conference executive was convinced James wanted out of LA. A handful of teams — including the Golden State Warriors, who tried to trade for James in 2023-24 — considered again whether to make an offer, sources said.”
Instead of doing everything they can to maximize their chances to win next season, Rob Pelinka and the front office have pivoted to building toward the future, one that excludes LeBron James. Now, teams across the league are scrambling to get in on the King James sweepstakes, and the Warriors have been leading the charge. The question is, what can they offer for James and his son, Bronny?
One potential package could include a bold trade package featuring some of Golden State’s top young talent and one of their last remaining first-round draft picks.
Golden State Warriors Receive: LeBron James, Bronny James
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (sign and trade), Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, 2028 first-round pick
This is not the ending that the Lakers were hoping for with LeBron, but this return still gives them something to build around with some solid young players and a future first-round pick that will likely hold high value. In his prime, LeBron would have gone for a much more expensive package, but at 40 years old, and seemingly a few years away from retirement, this is probably the best that the Lakers can hope for.
With Luka Doncic on the team, LA would still be in a position to compete, especially with the acquisition of Kuminga, Moody, and Podziemski, who would add depth and versatility to the rotation. Of course, Rob Pelinka could also flip those assets to get some players who might fit better next to Doncic and their young big man, Deandre Ayton (who LeBron has yet to contact).
In return, the Warriors get to bring together two of the game’s most iconic superstars. As former rivals, it would be amazing to see Stephen Curry and LeBron James fight for the same team and make one last title run in the twilight years of their career. The risk would be great by giving up their entire young core, but it would be worth it to see LeBron, Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green share the court together.
If LeBron James truly wants out of Los Angeles, Golden State may be his best, and most poetic, landing spot. Teaming up with longtime rival Stephen Curry and uniting with Bronny under the bright lights of Chase Center would instantly make the Warriors must-watch TV. For the Lakers, this trade might not bring back a superstar, but it offers flexibility, youth, and a chance to fully turn the page. After years of chasing banners with LeBron, this deal could mark the beginning of a new era for both franchises—one defined by bold moves, fresh faces, and two legendary careers coming full circle.
