Rumors of LeBron James potentially joining the Golden State Warriors continue to heat up after a report earlier in February indicated that the Northern California team reached out about a potential trade ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
It seems ridiculous on the surface. King James forcing his way from the Los Angeles Lakers to the in-state rival Warriors. Why would he threaten his legacy by teaming up with fellow four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry in San Francisco?
While still highly unlikely, we’re hearing more about James’ offseason plans. They are rather interesting in the grand scheme of things.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst (h/t Bleacher Report) reported recently that the Lakers and Warriors “could revisit” a James trade this summer. While he’s a bit skeptical, it’s important to note that Windhorst is pretty locked in when it comes to everything LeBron James related.
“But again, LeBron loves living in Los Angeles. His family is in Los Angeles. His future after the game is in Los Angeles,”Brian Windhorst on James to the Warriors. “I would be a fool to rule anything out with LeBron, but I really don’t think it’s something that is seriously being considered and if anything, it’s a negotiating stance for him as he tries to get maybe one last multiyear contract.”
James, 39, has gone on record several times indicating that he’d love to team up with the aforementioned Curry before retiring.
“Steph Curry is the one I want to play with, for sure, in today’s game. (He’s) lethal, man. When he gets out his car, you better guard him right from the moment he pulls up to the arena. Soon as he gets out of his car, you better guard his a**. You might want to guard him when he gets out of bed. Swear to God.”
When Golden State called up the Lakers about James ahead of the NBA trade deadline, the future Hall of Famer didn’t show interest in joining the Warriors. Though, that was likely more about not wanting to change teams in the middle of the season.
James continues to play at a high level for an otherwise pedestrian 30-26 Lakers team. He’s averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 7.8 assists on 52% shooting from the field.
As for the Warriors, they sit at a mere 27-26 on the season.
