On February 16, Beijing time, according to ESPN's Woj and Ramona Shelburne, the Warriors tried to persuade the Lakers to trade James, hoping to match James and Curry, but unfortunately failed.
Dream chasing actively matches both parties
In the report, the two reporters pointed out that Dream "instigated" Warriors owner Lacob to contact Lakers owner Jeanie Buss to ask James if there was a possibility of a trade between the two sides after the apparent public dissatisfaction.
At the same time, Dream also took advantage of his agent to send a message to Rich Paul, hoping that the latter could convince James to join the Warriors.
Jenny Buss asked James about his attitude
At the first time she was questioned, Jeanie Buss informed Lacob that the Lakers had no intention of trading James, but she still needed to know James' attitude through Rich Paul.
Jeanie Buss' idea is that if the team's star is really unhappy with the team, then she will consider a trade for James.
She then got an answer from Rich Paul that James had no interest in a trade and wanted to stay with the Lakers.
James has publicly expressed his displeasure
A week before the trade deadline, James posted an "hourglass" emoji on social media, which was widely believed to be James publicly expressing his displeasure.
At that time, the 76ers immediately asked the Lakers if they would trade James, and Pelinka replied that the 76ers would consider trading Embiid, and the conversation between the two sides ended.
Curry's attitude
After the Warriors' loss to the Clippers, Curry was asked about the topic, and Curry said bluntly: "I was still a little surprised when I learned the news, but this kind of conversation is normal at the trade deadline, especially a guy like LeBron, you are likely to call and ask." ”
Another ESPN reporter, Zach Lowe, quoted Curry as saying, "As Curry said, why not pick up the phone and keep trying? I don't think the Warriors' attempt is over." ”
To this end, the American media "fadeawayworld" recruited the Warriors in advance, giving Golden State a 5-for-2 trade plan to try to get James in the offseason, and the Lakers got Kuminga through the trade, plus two first-round picks, which can be described as killing two birds with one stone.
The potential trading scenarios are as follows
Warriors get: James + Vincent;
The Lakers get: Wiggins + Paul + Kuminga + 2026 first-round pick + 2028 first-round pick
Lakers: Killing two birds with one stone
Even though James is about to turn 40, he is still one of the league's most popular players at the box office, and at the same time, he is full of influence on the offensive end and controls his future initiative.
With a one-year player option left on his contract and James eligible to jump out of his contract and become a free agent this offseason, the Lakers will need to listen to James.
According to a joint report by TA reporter Sam Amick, TA Warriors reporter Anthony Slater and TA Lakers reporter Jovan Buha, the Lakers are trying to keep James and are willing to bring in a big third man (Trae Young, Irving or Mitchell) for this purpose, while considering bringing in Bronny, plus a three-year extension for James (about $162 million).
It can also be seen from this that the initiative is completely in James' hands, and if he wants to work with Curry at the end of his career to further increase his influence and commercial value, while increasing the possibility of competing for the championship, this deal is fully worth considering by the Lakers.
The Lakers got Kuminga, a rising star, plus two first-round picks, and two instant powers, Wiggins and Paul, with Paul's contract being insecure to clear space and the Lakers packing away players with relatively friendly contracts such as Hachimura, Reaves and Russell.
After completing this deal, the Lakers can continue to package first-round picks, Reaves, Hachimura and other players to pursue Mitchell, Trae Young or Irving, and stay competitive with them and Bushy Eyebrows.
Warriors: Continue the dynasty's championship journey
While the Warriors got James through this deal, they also got rid of Paul's big contract with Wiggins, and the team can continue to chase championships around Curry, Dream, Klay and James.
Because of his status, Klay has recently publicly expressed his willingness to take a salary cut and renew his contract, and the Warriors continue to bet on this lineup will be a huge gamble of "fame and fortune".
Even if the team is not competitive at that time, when the team facilitates the "Janku" team, I believe that the Warriors will already be a huge winner in terms of influence and market value.