Without Stephen Curry, Golden State Lost again at home to the Timberwolves in game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals, and the series now stands 3-1 in favor of Minnesota, who will have the opportunity to seal the qualification in the next home game. Though the Warriors still have one life left and the hope of recovering their star player, a rumor Is gaining strength for the next season: Could LeBron James leave the Lakers to join the Warriors?
are the two biggest NBA legends of the last two decades. Over the past ten years, they’ve gifted basketball fans in the U.S. and around the world with unforgettable playoff matchups and electrifying finals. In the 2024 Paris Olympics, Team USA brought them together, and they achieved the gold medal, creating several memorable moments and showcasing a connection, mutual admiration, and respect that inspires their teammates and all sports fans.
One year after that historic achievement, Sports Illustrated’s expert journalist, Alex Kirschenbaum, does not rule out the possibility that the two stars could reunite with the Golden State Warriors if LeBron James decides not to exercise his player option with the Lakers in his contract. If he chooses this route, he will become a free agent and could negotiate with any other franchise.
The most likely option is that LeBron James stays with the Los Angeles Lakers. Since his arrival in 2018, he’s always felt very comfortable and deeply committed to the franchise that gave him the chance to win his fourth NBA championship and share a team with his son Bronny—one of the few remaining dreams he had in his legendary career-. At 40 years old, LeBron still feels like an important player, logging many minutes on the floor, and the addition of Luka Doncic also serves as an incentive for his continued stay.
LeBron’s player option to remain in the purple and gold is worth $52.6 million, and the deadline to make a decision on his future is June 29. There’s also speculation that The King might forgo part of that money to give the franchise more negotiation power when shaping the roster for the upcoming season.
However, if LeBron decides to end his tenure with the Lakers, Alex Kirschenbaum points to five possible destinations in his column that would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the NBA:
Wherever LeBron goes, there’s no doubt he will bring his leadership, winning mentality, and immense offensive power as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. However, the average age of the Warriors, which is already high with Stephen Curry (37), Draymond Green (35), and Jimmy Butler (35), should not be overlooked.
After the Lakers were eliminated early in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, LeBron James spoke emotionally with the press and cast doubt on his continuation in the NBA for the upcoming season.
Then I’ll also have a conversation with myself about how much longer I want to keep playing,” he stated that day, visibly shaken by the loss.
“I have a lot to think about myself, so I don’t know what the roster will look like. Honestly, I’m not sure where I stand right now,” LeBron added, before it was revealed that he had sustained an injury during the same game.
