Veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein wrote this week that the Golden State Warriors are considered one of the few “credible” destinations for LeBron James once the current campaign ends.
According to Stein, Golden State’s interest in the 41-year-old forward dates back at least two seasons. The Warriors explored a trade for James before the 2025 trade deadline and revisited the idea during last offseason, a pursuit both James and his agent, Rich Paul, have publicly acknowledged.
Two other scenarios remain in play. James could embark on a third stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, returning exactly 10 years after he led the franchise to its lone NBA championship—ironically against Golden State. A return to the Los Angeles Lakers is also possible, though Stein noted that path may be less certain than in previous years.
The Lakers are reportedly aiming to get younger and are said to be focused on building around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, a strategy that could complicate a new agreement with James.
Meanwhile, the Warriors are looking to maximize the remaining championship window for Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. “It has some legs,” an unnamed league source told Stein, referring to Golden State’s potential pursuit of James.
How the rest of the season unfolds is expected to influence whether James stays in Los Angeles, returns to Cleveland, or heads to the Bay Area.
Source: Hoops Wire
