Lakers Locker Room Expected LeBron James to Join Warriors Before 76ers Deal
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Los Angeles — Several Los Angeles Lakers players believed LeBron James was headed to the Golden State Warriors before the four-time NBA champion ultimately signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to a report from Dan Woike of The Athletic.
James, 41, ended his eight-season tenure in Los Angeles this summer, choosing Philadelphia for what will be his 24th NBA campaign. Inside the Lakers’ locker room, however, the prevailing assumption was that the league’s all-time leading scorer would form a partnership with Stephen Curry in San Francisco.
Why Golden State Seemed Likely
The Warriors’ prospects gained momentum when forward Draymond Green unexpectedly opted out of his contract. Team officials were reportedly exploring ways to add both James and Lakers star Anthony Davis, a scenario that appealed to players who believed Golden State wanted to secure at least one more championship run during Curry’s prime.
Lakers personnel saw a potential core of Curry, Green, James and Kristaps Porzingis as the foundation of a title push. Still, doubts surfaced about whether the Warriors could make additional roster moves necessary to vault into genuine contention, a concern that may have influenced James’ decision to look elsewhere.
Philadelphia’s Pull
James chose the 76ers after weighing several options for weeks. Philadelphia’s current lineup—Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid—offered a clearer path to a fifth championship, in James’ view.
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, James’ longtime agent, said the move would likely resonate with Lakers icon Kobe Bryant, noting Bryant’s Philadelphia roots. “LeBron still wants to win,” Paul explained, emphasizing that James did not believe the Lakers could immediately return to title contention.
James will begin his first season in Philadelphia when training camps open this fall, leaving behind a Lakers team that never fully realized the potential of its James-Luka Dončić-Austin Reaves trio because of injuries.
Source: LakersNation.com
