The Golden State Warriors reportedly considered another attempt to acquire LeBron James this offseason, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst.
After the Los Angeles Lakers prioritized Luka Doncic as the franchise cornerstone and James became an expiring contract for the first time in his 23-year NBA career, executives around the league began reevaluating his situation. One Eastern Conference executive told ESPN he believed James wanted out of Los Angeles, while multiple teams, including Golden State — which explored a trade in 2023–24 — weighed the possibility again.
The Warriors’ interest came as James’ future with the Lakers grew uncertain. The Lakers traded Anthony Davis to Dallas for Doncic in February, then held a high-profile dinner with Doncic, head coach JJ Redick, general manager Rob Pelinka, and Doncic’s agent in May. James was not invited, signaling a shift in focus toward building around the 26-year-old guard.
Sources told ESPN that Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul informed the Lakers of James’ intention to pick up his $52.6 million player option after the team showed no urgency to extend his deal beyond 2025. This decision solidified his contract status but did not end speculation about his role in the organization moving forward.
While some league executives viewed James’ actions as an effort to pressure the Lakers’ front office to bolster the roster, others saw it as a response to the team’s lack of communication about key decisions, including the Davis-Doncic trade.
On Thursday’s edition of Get Up, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said he does not expect James to leave the Lakers despite the growing tension. “My guess is that he won’t exactly be thrilled, but he will be there for training camp and he will be in a Lakers uniform this season,” MacMahon said.
James, 40, remains a vital contributor, but the Lakers’ focus is now on signing Doncic to a long-term extension once he finishes competing for Slovenia in EuroBasket 2025 this September. Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists during the 2024–25 regular season, establishing himself as the centerpiece of the Lakers’ future.
For now, James is expected to remain with Los Angeles for the 2025–26 campaign, while teams like the Warriors monitor developments in case the situation changes.
