The Los Angeles Lakers have a serious threat to steal LeBron James in free agency after Draymond Green declined his player option with the Golden State Warriors. The Dubs can now offer the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception to LeBron in free agency, and Shams Charania reported that Golden State is trying to trade for former Lakers star Anthony Davis to build a Big 4 in the Bay Area.
The Warriors needed Green to opt out to increase their flexibility. He is represented by Rich Paul and Klutch Sports. Draymond was expected to opt in and isn’t leaving money on the table unless he knows this is real. The Lakers want to build around Luka Doncic, and it feels like LeBron may be ready to play elsewhere.
There is no tension between Luka and LeBron, but James is no longer the face of the Lakers. He won’t be in Golden State, but this is a chance to play with his friend and for everyone to have one last shot together. It will cost LeBron millions, but money can’t buy happiness or fulfill desires.
Draymond Green just opened up the space to sign LeBron James in free agency
Brian Windhorst reported on Monday that James won’t even meet with the Lakers. LeBron is clearly planning his exit. Draymond wouldn’t decline his player option if there wasn’t a move for the Warriors to make.
LeBron spent eight seasons in Los Angeles. He is a Lakers legend. James was the best player on the 2020 championship team and still elite, despite not arriving in LA until he was 34 years old. The 41-year-old still played like an All-NBA player. The Lakers don’t want to lose him, but have to prioritize Luka Doncic. LeBron isn’t the cleanest fit next to number 77, and it appears he is creating a pathway to move on.
This is not a done deal, but when there’s smoke. Shams even tweeted that the Warriors are making a run at LeBron and trying to trade for Anthony Davis. The Wizards have said they want to keep AD, but time will tell if that was true.
The Warriors are creating a ton of risk. LeBron turns 42 in December. Steph Curry is 38 and just played 43 games last season. Draymond is 36 years old, and Lakers fans don’t need me to tell them about AD’s injury history. This would be a gamble by Golden State that could result in a contender or a disaster. The risk seems to outweigh the reward, but the Dubs are desperate to contend in Curry's final years.
The Los Angeles Lakers look more likely than ever to be losing LeBron James in free agency. Draymond Green opting out was step one for the Golden State Warriors to create the space to sign LeBron and trade Jimmy Butler for Anthony Davis. There are still hurdles to clear, but Draymond being represented by Rich Paul makes this feel real. Only time will tell if it gets over the finish line.
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