The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t come close to putting up a fight against the Oklahoma City Thunder after taking out the Houston Rockets.
With a 0-4 loss, LeBron James’ future comes into question, as the 41-year-old is unsure about playing a 24th season.
But in the event James does decide to lace them up for another season, he doesn’t have an NBA home when the new league year tips off. James’ second-year option expires, and he will become a free agent.
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to discuss a potential return for James. The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors have become at least relevant in that conversation.
What Are The Chances Of The Warriors Picking Up LeBron?
CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn recently placed a percentage on the chances of James landing with the Warriors. On a list of six potential scenarios, the Warriors come fourth. Their chance of landing LeBron James? 10%
“If James is taking the minimum to sign up here, he might prefer the Warriors to trade the injured Butler, along with draft picks, for more immediate help. Perhaps he even makes that a condition of his decision. The Warriors may not be a likely championship team, but James would probably want them to do everything in their power to become one if he’s going to deal with all the headaches that would come with this move.” via CBS Sports.
Why The Warriors Are A Major Risk
What’s left for LeBron James to accomplish in his world? Really, he just wants another title. Are the Warriors really that strong?
Steph Curry will be another year older after getting hampered by setbacks throughout the 2025-2026 season. Jimmy Butler isn’t expected to be on the move as of now, but he’ll be a 37-year-old returning from a torn ACL midway through the year.
Even with the healthy trio of Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green, the Warriors were “mediocre” in the words of Butler. The Warriors failed to make the playoffs after going 1-1 in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
The move from LA to San Francisco is a lot easier than going back to Cleveland, Ohio. But is it worth the slight relocation and learning an entirely different system for the one-year gamble? There might be a 10% chance, but retirement (set at 30%) and going back to LA (set at 35%) seem like better ideas.