The Golden State Warriors’ attempt to acquire LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers “was never, ever supposed” to leak, according to NBA source Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.
The story of the Warriors trying to trade for LeBron was first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski and Shelburne.
“Woj and I started working on it last Thursday night after the trade deadline,” Shelburne said on Zach Lowe’s podcast. “Everyone we called to check on it, I think their first reaction was, ‘How the hell did you hear about this? How the hell did you even get wind of it?’ Because like we use the word clandestine in the story, but it was. Another person said top secret. Like this was never, ever supposed to get out.”
The agent for both LeBron and Warriors forward Draymond Green is Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group. LeBron and the Lakers had no interest in a Warriors deal coming through.
If LeBron, 39, decides not to exercise his $51.4 million player option with the Lakers in 2024–25, he will be free to sign with any team this offseason. The King will be pursued by the Warriors once more if he becomes a free agent, a source informed Hoops Wire.
If LeBron, 39, decides not to exercise his $51.4 million player option with the Lakers in 2024–25, he will be free to sign with any team this offseason. The King will be pursued by the Warriors once more if he becomes a free agent, a source informed Hoops Wire.
LeBron James is the all-time highest scorer in the NBA. He has represented the Miami Heat, Lakers, and Cleveland Cavaliers thrice. He has won four championships, four MVP awards, and four Finals MVP awards. The Chosen One hopes to compete in the NBA alongside his son Bronny the following year. Bronny can enter the NBA Draft in 2024.
LeBron is still a formidable force in the NBA despite being the oldest player. This season, he’s shooting 52.0% from the field, 39.5% from three, and 74.1% from the free-throw line while dishing out 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists on average.
It will be interesting to watch where LeBron plays the following season. Though nothing is set in stone when it comes to King James, most NBA insiders believe LBJ will join the Lakers.