The Golden State Warriors are still focused on their postseason push, but attention around the league is already turning toward a potentially aggressive offseason.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, team sources say Golden State has a serious interest in pursuing LeBron James this summer.
The report comes as James prepares to lead the Los Angeles Lakers into a first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. “James has made no decisions regarding his future; that retirement remains a real possibility,” Amick wrote. However, league sources told The Athletic that rival teams continue to monitor whether James could consider one more move.
Golden State’s interest is significant because it would pair two of the defining stars of this era, James and Stephen Curry. A James-Curry partnership has long been discussed in league circles, and the Warriors appear positioned to revisit that possibility if James decides to continue playing beyond this season.
Golden State Warriors Monitor LeBron James Future
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James
Amick wrote that James has made no decisions regarding retirement and that the idea of a farewell tour has been overstated. Several sources told The Athletic that James has directly indicated he does not view that type of sendoff as a priority.
That uncertainty has opened the door for outside interest. Along with Golden State, Amick noted that a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers remains a possibility discussed by rival executives.
Still, financial realities could complicate any move. The Warriors would likely need James to accept a major pay cut if they pursue him through free agency. A sign-and-trade scenario could also be explored, but that would require cooperation from the Lakers and would create additional salary-cap restrictions.
James has earned more than $581 million in career salary, according to figures cited by The Athletic, and remains one of the sport’s most influential figures. How much money factors into his next decision could shape the market.
There are also personal considerations. James has built a life in Los Angeles since joining the Lakers in 2018, and his family remains based there. His son, Bronny James, is also under contract with the Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers Still Remain Central Option for LeBron James
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James
Despite outside interest, Amick also reported that “the Lakers have not closed the door on James returning next season. ” Team and league sources told The Athletic that Los Angeles still views bringing him back as a realistic outcome.
That optimism was strengthened by the Lakers’ strong stretch in March, when James adapted to playing alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. During that run, Los Angeles went 15-2 while James embraced a smaller offensive role.
“I’m not an idiot. I understand,” James said on his “Mind the Game” podcast, referencing his willingness to adjust for the benefit of the team.
Sources told The Athletic that James was encouraged by the chemistry formed during that stretch and intrigued by the long-term potential of playing with Doncic and Reaves when healthy.
The Lakers also have a cleaner pathway to re-signing James than rival teams. They are projected to have cap flexibility this summer and can offer continuity with a roster already built around championship ambitions.
For now, James remains focused on the playoffs. With Doncic and Reaves sidelined entering the Rockets series, Los Angeles again turns to its veteran star to carry the load.
But once the postseason ends, his future is expected to become one of the NBA’s biggest storylines. If James chooses to continue, the Warriors are among the teams closely watching to see whether an opportunity finally emerges.
LeBron James Could Be Leaving Lakers This Summer as Warriors Have Serious Interest