While the idea of LeBron James leaving Los Angeles to play for the Warriors still seems like a long shot, it’s a rumor that won’t die until James commits to another team or someone goes on the record to kill it, Monte Poole writes for NBC Sports Bay Area. Reporting from ESPN and The Stein Line earlier this week suggested that Golden State may be the best outside threat to lure James away from the Lakers.
“I know it seems crazy,” a well-connected league source told Poole. “But there is at least curiosity on both sides. This wouldn’t even be a conversation five or six years ago, and it might not happen now, but there’s enough there that we shouldn’t ignore the possibility. It’s mostly up to LeBron.”
The Warriors would have to make significant roster changes or convince the Lakers to accommodate a sign-and-trade in order to offer more than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which is projected to be worth about $15MM.
Here’s more out of Golden State:
- In a separate story for NBC Sports Bay Area, Poole argues that it would be in the Warriors’ best long-term interests to find a way to turn this year’s No. 11 overall pick into multiple first-rounders by trading down.
- Following up on the news that Yaxel Lendeborg is among the players visiting the Warriors on Thursday, Anthony Slater of ESPN suggests the Michigan star will have an individual workout and in-person meeting with the front office rather than being part of a group workout. Slater adds, citing sources that Lendeborg has “several fans” in Golden State’s front office.
- Lendeborg certainly won’t be the only potential lottery target who works out for the Warriors. According to Slater, Arizona’s Brayden Burries is expected to be among the prospects who visits the team next week.
After 40 years of reporting on the Warriors, I think Monte has a good idea of what they are doing.
i am in agreement with poole if you can trade pick #11 and get multiple 1st rounders lower in the draft do it.
If he were to sign for the vet minimum or NTMLE – whichever is lower – AND Dunleavy is still able to make some really good upgrades, along with necessary subtractions, I’d likely keep my YTtv subscription. Otherwise, would be fine with skipping what would hopefully be just one forgetful GSW season. It’s just my opinion, but the truly avid GSW/Curry fans should NOT be excited about a Curry-James tandem joining on the Warriors. As mentioned before on this platform: it literally sickens me to contemplate the twilight of Steph, as we’ve known him, having to be shared or even overshadowed by a guy who’ll have as about a lasting impact on the Warriors organization and its fans as someone like Andris Biedrins or Juan Toscano Anderson had during their time as Warriors. If it’s not gonna be in LA with the Lakers (fingers crossed), LeBron should sign for the minimum with Cleveland or retire (fingers crossed slightly tighter).
The LeBron saga is going to get lots of clicks. The Lakers know who he is by now. Og they can get something back on a sign and trade they should do it. Do not give the bum more than the MLE.
Yep, he’s the guy that carried them to the 2nd round when they were missing their best and third best player. What a bum!!??