LeBron James did the Los Angeles Lakers a favor by letting them know before free agency officially began that he wouldn't return for his 24th season. That allowed the front office to retool the roster without his future hanging over their heads. Not only that, but it sure seems like he's set on getting out of the West entirely, as ESPN's Anthony Slater recently said that the Warriors are "pessimistic" about their chances at landing the 41-year-old superstar.
Remember when Shams Charania first reported that James was leaving Los Angeles, and it felt like it was to go to Golden State?
Technically speaking, the Warriors are still in the running, since the sweepstakes are ongoing. Neither LeBron nor his camp has leaked much about the direction he is leaning toward, though it's certainly worth noting that Golden State doesn't think it has a real shot.
Charania previously said that the Cavaliers, Heat, and Sixers are James' top three teams. Lakers fans can deal with seeing him suit up for any one of those, rather than watching him team up with Steph Curry and Draymond Green in the Bay.
Warriors reportedly 'pessimistic' about landing LeBron James
If we're being honest, as much as it wouldn't feel right to see James in a Warriors uniform, that'd be an experiment that probably wouldn't work out as hoped for Golden State. If it were five years ago, we'd be having a different conversation.
Still, if there are two of the oldest players in the league who can string together enough magic to make a championship run, it's LeBron and Steph. Los Angeles would prefer for that not to even be in the cards, especially as it's trying to make a title push of its own with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
If James does end up in the East, the Lakers could run into him in the NBA Finals (wouldn't that be fun?), but that'd be better than seeing him and the Warriors on the way there. Again, LeBron and Steph in the playoffs? No thanks!
James isn't thinking about the Lakers as he ponders what the next steps of his illustrious NBA career will be, but he's still managed to help them out in the process. He could take things a step further by going to Cleveland, Miami, or Philadelphia, rather than making the move across the state to San Francisco.
We're not trying to rush you, LeBron, but do you mind keeping things going in the direction that they are, away from the Warriors? Much appreciated!
Add us as a preferred source on Google