The Los Angeles Lakers continue to be the talk of NBA rumors with LeBron James’ future being debated. Chances are James continues to play alongside Luka Doncic in Hollywood for the foreseeable future.
Yet, there would be fewer more fun outcomes than seeing James paired with Steph Curry on the Golden State Warriors. Bleacher Report’s Erik Beaston makes the argument for the Warriors being the best landing spot for James.
What would the Warriors need to give up in a hypothetical deal for James? Golden State needs Jonathan Kuminga, who is a restricted free agent who appears to be finding a dwindling market, to agree to a sign-and-trade to Los Angeles.
Additionally, Golden State likely needs to include Brandin Podziemski and future draft picks as well. Beaston does not mention Moses Moody, but his inclusion in a trade package makes a lot of sense to make the deal work financially.
“It is with that team, and stars Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler, that James has the best chance to win that elusive championship,” Beaston noted in a July 13, 2025, story titled, “LeBron’s Best Shot at NBA Title is with Steph Curry, Warriors Amid Lakers Trade Rumors.”
“Any deal between the two teams would see the Warriors give up a substantial package for James, with Jonathan Kuminga likely included. Brandin Podziemski maybe another asset shipped off to Los Angeles, along with several draft picks.”
Lakers Star LeBron James Has Been Open About His Desire to Play With Warriors Guard Steph Curry
After beginning their careers as rivals, James and Curry now appear to have a strong friendship. James has since made his feelings about Curry clear, admitting on multiple occasions that he would enjoy playing alongside the sharpshooter.
“Steph Curry’s the one that I wanna play with for sure, in today’s game,” James said during a 2022 episode of “The Shop,” per CBS Sports. “… I love everything about that guy. Lethal.
“When he get out his car, you better guard him right from the moment he pulls up to the arena. … You might wanna guard him when he get out of the bed. Swear to god. He’s serious.”
Lakers Rumors: Warriors Pushed LA to Trade LeBron James in 2024
From a logistical standpoint, the Warriors’ interest in James has been well documented. NBA insiders Ramona Shelburne and Adrian Wojnarowski reported for ESPN that the Warriors pushed the Lakers to deal James ahead of the 2024 trade deadline.
“Over a clandestine 24-hour window prior to the trade deadline Thursday that included owner-to-owner conversations, the Golden State Warriors made an unsuccessful bid to convince the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James to consider a trade to pair him with longtime rival Stephen Curry, sources told ESPN,” Shelburne and Wojnarowski wrote in a February 14, 2024, story titled, “Sources: Warriors made bid for LeBron James at trade deadline.”
“The Warriors were eager to present a package deal to L.A., but neither the Lakers nor James were willing to explore a potential blockbuster.”
Until James pushes back on the ongoing trade rumors, the Warriors are going to continue being one of the top teams linked to an unthinkable deal with the Lakers to acquire the superstar.
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