Warriors Reportedly A ‘realistic Second Option' For Lebron James This Offseason

Warriors reportedly a ‘realistic second option' for LeBron James this offseason originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The idea of LeBron James joining the Warriors is gaining traction, but how much truth is there to the rumors?

James’ agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, is respecting LeBron’s family time at the moment. The 23-year NBA veteran is currently on vacation with members of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 championship team for a reunion.

“Believe nothing that’s out there because I haven’t had one conversation with him,” Paul said on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” last week. “At the end of the season, I made it clear that I would respect him and the family, because this is going to be a family decision for him.”

Reuniting with Olympic teammate Steph Curry has to have crossed James’ mind. The dynamic duo led Team USA to a gold medal against France in 2024.

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Warriors are a “realistic second option” behind a return to the Los Angeles Lakers. The most Golden State would be able to offer James is the $15.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception, $37 million less than what he made last season.

If James were to choose to come to the Bay, it wouldn’t be for the money. The chance to win ring number five is the priority for both James and Curry. The championship DNA of James and the Warriors’ core combined would put Golden State above every other team from a schematic standpoint. Athleticism and durability would be among the concerns.

The Akron native has his whole life laid out in Los Angeles now, so it would take a lot of convincing for him not to be in a Laker uniform next year.

There also is a chance the 41-year-old doesn’t suit up for anyone once October rolls around. With free agency beginning June 30, everyone will have to wait and see what transpires.

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