The NBA community went into a tailspin on Monday night after hearing statements Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James made following his team’s Western Conference Finals loss to the Denver Nuggets.
After dispatching the Warriors in the Conference Semifinals, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were no match for the Denver Nuggets, who swept them 4-0 to go to their first NBA Finals.
The possibility of LeBron James joining Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors is tantalizing. After scoring 40 points in Game 4, James said he would consider his options, including retirement. Many have speculated about what he could do next, with some believing he’s just trying to put pressure on the Lakers’ front staff and others thinking he’ll retire for a year and then come back to play in the league with his eldest son Bronny.
The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor has also suggested that at age 38, James may seek a trade to the Warriors as an explanation for his desire to leave Los Angeles.
The Warriors and LeBron James may have an interest in signing him. LeBron is good friends with Draymond, and he has already stated that he would most like to play alongside Steph Curry at the present time. In an episode of The Shop from last year, Maverick Carter, LeBron’s business partner, pressed him to rҽveal which team, other than the Lakers, he would most like to play for.
For all time, Curry has the best shooting percentage, but James has the best downhill scoring average. They are not just two of the best players of all time, but their styles would complement each other perfectly due to their excellent basketball IQ.
Sending all of their young players to Los Angeles for someone who will turn 39 at the end of the year would be the most audacious approach for Golden State to entirely ditch their two-timeline plan.
James has a $46.9 million contract for next season and a $50.7 million player option for 2024-25; the Warriors could send Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Patrick Baldwin Jr., and selections to the Lakers in exchange for him. After a possible deal, the Warriors’ starting five would consist of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, LeBron James, and Draymond Green, with Kevon Looney serving as the team’s sixth player. They would be risking everything, but if it worked out, they could add another championship to their collection and it would be a lot of fun.
