Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James signing with the Golden State Warriors in free agency seems to be picking up steam as they are also trying to acquire Anthony Davis as a way to lure the 41-year-old to the Bay Area.
According to recent reports, the Lakers had not yet spoken to James about a new contract, but it appears that is about to change, per NBA insider Chris Haynes:
LeBron James and Los Angeles Lakers still have yet to have a conversation regarding his future but that’s expected to change in light of Golden State Warriors’ strategic maneuvering to position themselves as a landing spot, sources tell me.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 29, 2026
The Lakers made it clear at the start of the offseason that they want James back to finish his career in purple and gold, but that they would give him as much time as he needs this offseason to make his decision.
Now that the Warriors appear to be going all in to land James though, the Lakers need to make their own recruitment pitch if they want to keep him. Golden State will be able to offer the 22-time All-Star their mid-level exception of around $15 million, so the Lakers can outbid them using their cap space.
If the Warriors are able to land Davis though, then perhaps reuniting with his former co-star and finish his career with his former rivals Stephen Curry and Draymond Green would be enticing enough to James for him to switch teams and take less money.
Should that happen, then the Lakers will need to turn to the free agent and trade markets to fill out their roster around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. That would truly signify the start of a new era with James moving on after eight seasons in L.A.
LeBron James’ options heading into free agency
Ahead of the start of free agency on Tuesday, James’ options appear to be coming into focus.
Outside of returning to the Lakers, going to the Warriors if they can land Davis seems to be the most likely option.
James also could explore a return to one of his former teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers or Miami Heat, although that would likely require a sign-and-trade for them to fit him under the cap. The Lakers would likely be on board with that as they would be acquiring Jarrett Allen or Andrew Wiggins, although neither of those possibilities have picked up steam the way the Warriors scenario has.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.
