Warriors Made Bid for LeBron James at Trade Deadline, Sources Say
The Golden State Warriors attempted to convince the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James to consider a trade to pair him with Stephen Curry, but the Lakers and James were not interested in exploring the possibility.
Warriors' Failed Trade Bid for LeBron James
The Golden State Warriors made an unsuccessful bid to convince the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James to consider a trade before the recent trade deadline, sources told ESPN. The Warriors were eager to create a package deal to pair James with Stephen Curry, but both the Lakers and James were uninterested.
Despite being 39 years old, James is still performing at an All-NBA level, which intrigued the Warriors and sparked their imagination about the potential to extend their dynasty. Warriors owner Joe Lacob reached out to Lakers owner Jeanie Buss to inquire about James' apparent frustration and whether it could be seen as an opportunity for trade discussions.
Lakers Owner Confirms No Desire to Trade James
Lakers owner Jeanie Buss informed Joe Lacob that the team had no intention of trading James. However, she suggested that Lacob reach out to James' agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, for confirmation on James' mindset. Buss prioritizes the contentment of her star players and wanted James' representation to handle the inquiry.
Rich Paul informed Lacob and Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. that James had no interest in a trade and wished to remain a Laker. When Dunleavy consulted Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, he received the same response: the Lakers had no intention of moving James.
Chasing an Unattainable Deal
Warriors' forward Draymond Green, who is also represented by Rich Paul, asked Paul to help convince James to join Golden State. However, the pursuit proved to be futile. Dunleavy was not the only team executive to inquire about a possible James trade before the deadline. Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey also reached out to the Lakers but was promptly informed that James was not available.
The back-and-forth between the Warriors and Lakers took place at the ownership level, with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss directing the Warriors to communicate with James' representation for clarity on his commitment to the Lakers. The Warriors may revisit their pursuit of James in the offseason, as he holds a player option on his contract for 2024-25.
