The following scenario could occur even though it is highly unlikely that the Lakers will trade LeBron James to the Warriors once all other options have been exhausted.
LeBron James made news when he announced he was thinking about retiring from professional basketball following the Denver Nuggets’ rout of the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. James’ remarks were viewed with skepticism by some analysts, who speculated that he was either attempting to regain control of the narrative after his first-ever sweep of an opponent or pressuring the Lakers front office to bring in more players to bolster the team in preparation for a potential championship run the following season. Some thought James was attempting to reclaim the narrative after defeating an opponent for the first time.
The Los Angeles Lakers will struggle to hold onto the future Hall of Famer if there is even a slim chance that LeBron James will want a trade. James will have the opportunity to opt out of his contract at the conclusion of the next season, and LeBron’s firstborn son Bronny James will be qualified to play in the league in 2024. James will therefore soon have the option to opt out of his contract in order to play with his son, should he decide to continue playing.
Of all the clubs, the Warriors know better than anybody else that flags will always fly. Given that Stephen Curry is already 35 years old, the likelihood is that he will take any and all risks to maximize the few outstanding years he has remaining in his career. The Warriors will have the opportunity to grow in popularity globally with the signing of James. With two of the best players of this age already on their squad, they will draw more attention than they have ever received.
Do the Warriors, though, have enough assets to convince the Lakers to give up their franchise player?
LeBron James and Mo Bamba are traded by the Warriors to the Lakers in the first round of the 2026 draft in return for Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins, and Donte DiVincenzo (who has a play option).
Unless the Lakers accept Klay Thompson as the cornerstone of the trade, the Warriors will have to give up Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins before they can even hope to persuade them to consider their offer. For the next season, LeBron James is expected to earn about $46 million. The Lakers will need Wiggins in exchange if they choose to deal James, so the Warriors are free to try and package Poole with players like Moses Moody, Kevon Looney, and Gary Payton II. Without Wiggins, the Lakers will have an obvious need at the wing position.
The Warriors are expected to turn down an offer from the Lakers for Jonathan Kuminga because they prefer to keep the gifted young player for themselves. The Los Angeles Lakers will, at minimum, want to hang on to a player who has the ability to succeed in a world without Stephen Curry because obtaining James will be a decision that places a remarkable focus on short-term benefit.
LeBron James will cost a lot of money, even though his professional career is coming to an end. James proved that he can still have a significant impact on winning at the highest level, even though it is clear that he has slowed down since his peak. James will blend well in with the Warriors’ offensive scheme, which is centered on ball movement, because to his excellent basketball IQ. Witnessing LeBron James work alongside players with great basketball IQs like Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, and Klay Thompson will be amazing.
The Warriors should have no issue luring in senior players willing to take a salary cut in order to help the Los Angeles Lakers win another championship under James and Curry’s leadership. Despite the Warriors’ strong cap position, this is the case. The Dubs’ depth issue, which was very apparent during the course of the previous season, should be alleviated by this.
The Los Angeles Lakers, for their part, are able to deal LeBron James to any other team that wants to buy him. Because of the legendary status he has amassed over his career, James will always have the support he needs if he decides to pursue a trade to the Warriors.
The Lakers will acquire two guys in return who will help them maintain a roster around Anthony Davis that is at least somewhat competitive. Even though acquiring Poole will come at a substantial financial and contractual cost, the Lakers will be able to acquire a replacement at the position of D’Angelo Russell given the way the player finished the postseason.
With a core that includes Anthony Davis, Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura, the Lakers should be able to maintain their postseason ambitions in the coming season. The Los Angeles Lakers will have more guard depth if Donte DiVincenzo exercises his opt-in, which is crucial in case Dennis Schroder decides to leave the team. The possibility that the Dubs will be far along in their reconstruction makes it a very appealing prospect for the Warriors when they acquire a first-round choice in 2026.
It is utterly ridiculous to think that LeBron James and the Warriors might collaborate. One of the most absurd things that has ever happened in NBA history could happen if this transaction goes through: the internet might crash. It’s difficult to think of anything more absurd than this made-up NBA scenario.