The Los Angeles Lakers are in wait and see mode as LeBron James considers his future. The superstar still has one season remaining on a two-year, $99 million contract but can opt out this offseason to become a free agent.
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz put together a list of “dream trade targets” for every team. The analyst mentioned James as an ideal target for the Golden State Warriors.
James would have to opt in to his current deal in order for a trade to be possible. The trade pitch has the Lakers landing Jonathan Kuminga, former No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II and Kevin Looney (or Chris Paul’s expiring deal). Golden State secures King James in exchange for this trade package.
“The Golden State Warriors obviously have interest in trading for LeBron James, as the franchise called the Los Angeles Lakers about a potential deal before the 2024 deadline,” Swartz detailed in a June 3, 2024 story titled, “Dream Trade Targets for Every NBA Team.” “The Lakers ultimately refused, but owner Jeanie Buss did reach out to James’ agent Rich Paul to gauge his interest, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne.
“After a disappointing first-round exit, would James be more open to joining Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in Golden State? James would need to pick up his $51.4 million player option to execute a trade,” Swartz added.