The Los Angeles Lakers are still in the driver's seat when it comes to securing LeBron James in free agency, but that could change in the coming days. LeBron deserves a sizable salary that the Lakers might not be able to offer, given their other offseason needs.
The Warriors are the most logical alternative to the Lakers for LeBron James
If LeBron ends up leaving the Lakers at the negotiating table and seeking another deal elsewhere, the Golden State Warriors immediately come to mind as the most sensical landing spot.
LeBron is buddies with Warriors big man Draymond Green, and James also has plenty of familiarity with fellow icon Steph Curry and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. Golden State would be a global marketing marvel with Curry and James leading the way, and we know that this would appeal to LeBron's business mind.
Draymond Green and the Warriors don't have anything to gain by hinting at a LeBron James partnership
The Warriors are aware that they have a shot at acquiring Bron. That's why they need to play it cool publicly. It's no surprise at all that Green himself completely downplayed a LeBron-Warriors possibility during a recent podcast.
In speaking with goated NBA analyst Tim Legler about the situation, Green said he doesn't see LeBron leaving the Lakers, mostly because he's not certain James will return at all for his 24th season.
"I think, just from what I see, I don't think it's a matter of if he goes to another team or not," Green remarked. "I think it's a matter of if he continues playing or not."
Sure, Draymond. Sure.
LeBron James and his camp haven't given the slightest hint that retirement is being considered
While Draymond has his reasons to deflect the LeBron-Warriors stuff so as not to come on too strong, it's easy to see what he's doing. No one actually thinks LeBron is going to retire, and that's because James hasn't given any indication that that's on the table.
When LeBron appeared on his own podcast (with Steve Nash) a few weeks ago, he was talking about potential team situations for his 24th season, not retirement. When LeBron's agent, Rich Paul, appeared on The Pat McAfee Show a few days ago, he said that 10 to 12 teams have called about LeBron. He didn't mention anything about retirement.
LeBron's coming back for Year 24. Draymond knows that. So does everyone else. Green's half-hearted attempt at playing it cool wasn't effective. It only generated more buzz, seeing as it's clear that Draymond and the Warriors would love to have LeBron join their franchise. As for Curry? That's another question entirely. He's responded with disinterest in the past to questions about teaming up with LeBron. Whether or not that's changed now that both players are near retirement is something we might find out soon. Or maybe we'll never know.
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