The Golden State Warriors will try to convince LeBron James to join them this summer in hopes of contending for the NBA Championship again. Golden State’s season has fallen apart and shifts more pressure towards the offseason. General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. hopes to add at least one major name, and LeBron has been rumored all season due to past interest.
Sports Illustrated’s Gray Deyo revealed that Golden State believes they have a shot due to LeBron’s desire to play with Stephen Curry:
“James has mentioned wanting to play with Stephen Curry, so although James playing with the Warriors may be a crazy thought at first, it very well could happen. The Warriors in the past were rumored to try to trade for James, and with where Curry is in his own career, nothing should be off the table in order to try to generate a championship-level team.
James’ current averages playing alongside Curry should not take a hit and could even see an increase. With Jimmy Butler likely missing significant time next season for the ACL season-ending injury he had this season, James would be the number two scoring option for Golden State.”
James would take a big risk of having faith in Golden State’s roster being good enough to contend for a title in the West. Deyo referenced that LeBron could desire having a greater role as the second option on the offensive side.
LeBron Could End His Career With A Bang
The idea of James joining the Warriors would see him being required to score over 20 points per game. LeBron is still good enough to do that, but his older age has shown this season that he is best off as the third option behind players like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Golden State does provide the dream scenario of playing on the same NBA team with Curry for the first time. Both veterans loved teaming up in the 2024 Summer Olympics after their long rivalry as the top two faces of the league.
The Warriors would likely have to trade Jimmy Butler’s contract for another star to convince James of their roster’s upside. Butler is expected to miss a large portion of next season, and his massive contract remaining on the books could ruin Golden State.
Golden State Remains Distant Third Option
Time will tell if any other teams enter the equation, but the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers clearly have the best chances. Recent improved play for the Lakers is showing LeBron a vision for the team to contend, and he gets to play with his son Bronny James.
Cleveland holds more temptation to leave since they have a stacked roster expected to contend for years and the hometown appeal. James could get a retirement tour to end his career with the franchise he started with and could be their missing piece for a title.
Golden State must hope that the Lakers and Cavaliers both have disappointing playoff runs to convince LeBron they would be an improvement for him. Curry will also have to be a top tier recruiter in free agency to talk James into joining the Warriors for them to have any chance.
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