In a covert 24-hour window preceding the recent NBA trade deadline, the Golden State Warriors made an audacious bid to rope in the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James, despite resistance from both the Lakers and James himself.
A Bid for the King
Proposing to pair the legendary James with longtime competitor Stephen Curry, the Warriors touted an alluring deal. But the Lakers remained steadfast, unwilling to pawn their ace despite James’ public demonstration of frustration.
His All-NBA level gameplay, even at 39, held the promise of reviving the Warriors’ waning dynasty and captured the franchise’s interest.
At the behest of Warriors star Draymond Green, Joe Lacob, Golden State’s owner, sought to coax Lakers owner Jeanie Buss into considering a trade. Buss remained resolute, steering Lacob towards Klutch Sports CEO and James’ agent, Rich Paul.
LA Retains its Star
Despite queries into James’ commitment to the Los Angeles Lakers, Paul reassured the concerned Warriors that James had no intentions of parting ways with the Lakers. This confirmation was echoed by Lakers’ GM Rob Pelinka when approached by Warriors’ GM Mike Dunleavy Jr.
Green, once the signing influencer for Kevin Durant’s free agency, had pinged Paul hoping to steer James towards Golden State. However, unlike the Durant acquisition, bringing James on board turned out to be a futile endeavor.
Market Stirrings
While the Warriors and Lakers sparred on the ownership level, unusual trade feelers were cast elsewhere in the NBA landscape.
After observing James’ cryptic hourglass social media post, the Philadelphia 76ers’ Daryl Morey approached LA about a potential James swap only to be rebuffed quickly.
Notably, Morey had previously approached the Phoenix Suns regarding Durant’s availability, to no avail.
Looking Ahead
While Lakers fans can breathe a sigh of relief, the saga of James’ stay-or-go may be revisited in the offseason when he holds a $51.4 million player option on his 2024-25 contract.
Indications point towards James remaining dedicated to the Lakers, however teams such as the Warriors and 76ers will certainly be waiting in the wings, hoping to sway his decision.
Following an understated trade deadline, the Lakers and the Warriors are already strategizing more impactful roster improvements for the forthcoming season.
Despite all the speculation, Golden State keeps a keen eye on Klay Thompson, whose future as a free agent looms significant for the franchise.
In the NBA, the trade game never ends. Yet the highly publicized dance between the Warriors and Lakers around the LeBron James shuffle has reiterated one fact—James isn’t shy of attention, and his potential availability can trigger seismic waves across the market.
