The Golden State Warriors may never have been as close to landing LeBron James as it seemed. According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, James only seriously considered joining Golden State if the team also added a proven star forward like Anthony Davis.
That condition adds important context to a pursuit that generated months of speculation without ever fully materializing.
The Davis Piece Never Came Together for the Warriors
GettyAnthony Davis of the Washington Wizards.
Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor first reported in late June that Golden State was targeting Davis before eventually shifting its full attention toward James. That plan appeared to stall quickly, as the Washington Wizards showed little willingness to move Davis and reportedly explored a contract extension with him instead.
Without Davis in place, James’ interest in Golden State reportedly cooled considerably, suggesting the pairing was reportedly always a package deal rather than James simply choosing between conventional free agent destinations.
Why James’ Hesitation Made Sense
GettyStephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors shakes hands with LeBron James.
Whether Davis was actually the right fit for Golden State is debatable given his extensive injury history and the roster’s existing age concerns. But James’ broader instinct, that the Warriors needed more than what they currently had, reflects a real structural issue with the roster.
Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler are all in their mid-30s, and Butler is still recovering from a torn ACL. Moses Moody, one of the team’s key young pieces, is also working back from a ruptured patellar tendon.
What This Means Going Forward
With James now signed elsewhere, questions about Golden State’s remaining championship window with Curry become harder to avoid. The roster construction issues that reportedly gave James pause didn’t disappear just because he chose a different team.
Final Word for the Warriors
LeBron James wanted more than a promise from Golden State. He wanted proof the roster could support a real title run, and that proof never came together.
The Warriors are left with the same questions James apparently had, and time isn’t on their side to answer them.
Warriors Learn Why LeBron James Pursuit Fell Apart