Recent new trade rumors came with the elimination of Lakers superstar James from the playoffs, and LeBron James, who made waves after the Los Angeles Lakers were swept by the Denver Nuggets, said he was considering retiring. But some experts don't believe James, saying he's most likely putting pressure on the Lakers to get reinforcements.
But some, like The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor, can't help but let their imaginations run wild. What if 38-year-old LeBron James decides to form another superteam, joining Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors?
At LeBron's request, James could opt out of his contract after next season, and LeBron's eldest son, Brownie James, will enter the league in 2024. Therefore, if James decides to continue playing, he may soon choose to withdraw from his contract and play with his son.
For the Warriors, Stephen Curry is 35 years old, and maximizing the rest of his career is absolutely a sure thing. The addition of James will also make the Warriors a favorite team in the world, and the combination of two of the greatest players of this generation will attract the attention of the world.
But do the Warriors have enough assets to attract the Lakers?
The Warriors traded Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins, Donte DiVincenzo and the 2026 GSW first-round pick to the Lakers in exchange for LeBron James and Mo Bamba.
The Lakers may also want Jonathan Kuminga, but the Warriors certainly keep the talented 20-year-old. Trading James would be a move to maximize short-term gains, allowing him to win games at the highest level, even in the twilight of his career. Given James' high basketball IQ, he fits well into the Warriors' offensive system. It would be a spectacle to see James play with this group of ultra-high basketball IQ players from Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson.
Then again, James' age makes this a very risky choice. Give up Andrew Wiggins, the team's best perimeter defender. Getting James would make them one of the best offensive teams in league history. Under the influence of James and Curry, the Warriors, although they have little salary space, should not have any difficulty in acquiring veterans who want to help the Warriors get another ring.
For the Lakers, Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins, Austin Reeves, Anthony Davis and Hachimura should have the core to get the Lakers into the playoffs next season.
But the possibility of LeBron James joining forces with the Warriors is absolutely ridiculous. Because if the deal materializes, the internet is likely to collapse, and it's hard to say anything crazier than that assumption will happen in the NBA.