The Golden State Warriors reportedly revisited their longstanding interest in LeBron James this offseason, following the four-time NBA champion’s decision to exercise his $52.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst, the move raised eyebrows across the league, particularly as it came in the wake of a franchise – shifting trade involving Luka Doncic as the Lakers target a first championship since 2020.
One unnamed Eastern Conference executive speculated that James might be reconsidering his future in Los Angeles and this speculation prompted several franchises to assess the situation, including Steph Curry’s team.
The Warriors’ consideration was part of a broader league-wide reaction to James’s contract move and a potential window of opportunity as the team has long sought a way to pair Curry with another generational talent.
They’re looking to rebuild the dynasty they had from 2015-2022, which managed to claim six conference pennants and a total of four NBA championships, LeBron famous denying them one in 2016.
Doing so would allow them to use the last of Steph’s talents before the 37-year-old either retires or falls off the age cliff, something LeBron is testing as he prepares for his 23rd season in the sport at the age of 40.
Though the Warriors’ attempt to acquire James in the previous season never materialized into a deal, their renewed interest shows how seriously teams still consider his value, even this late in his career.
What does LeBron’s contract situation mean for Bronny James?
LeBron remains one of the most impactful players in the NBA, but his next move is uncertain following the Lakers’ first-round playoff exit earlier this year to the Minnesota Timberwolves, with a weakness at center being taken advantage of.
James admitted he wasn’t sure how much longer he would continue playing in the league, and that lack of clarity has opened the door to widespread speculation about whether he might seek a new team or prepare for retirement.
One major question surrounding LeBron’s future is how it might impact his son, Bronny James, who joined the Lakers in 2024, as critics drafting the 20-year-old appeared to be a strategic move to please LeBron.
And according, to John Hollinger of The Athletic, Bronny’s path with the Lakers is far from guaranteed so the younger James must now prove he can earn his place on merit in the 2025/26 NBA season.
Bronny’s rookie year statistics were modest: 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game, while shooting just 31.3 percent from the field. However, he did show potential in the G League with the South Bay Lakers. Now he needs to translate that to the NBA.
LeBron James’s status remains a focal point, and so too does the direction of the franchise as they weigh up between short-term championship contention or a rebuild around Luka Doncic.
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