Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 17
Warriors Keep $15.1 Million LeBron Bid Ready as Lakers Hold Edge in June 30 Talks
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 17

Warriors Keep $15.1 Million LeBron Bid Ready as Lakers Hold Edge in June 30 Talks

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 17

Summary

  • $15.1 million is the full non-taxpayer midlevel exception Golden State is prepared to use if LeBron James reaches free agency, keeping the Warriors in play as Lakers talks continue.
  • That route would hard-cap the Warriors at the first apron, tightening roster flexibility and likely forcing additional offseason moves to make a pursuit workable.
  • Draymond Green's $27.7 million player option could become part of that math, with a reworked deal at a lower first-year salary offering one path to more breathing room.
  • Los Angeles still holds the stronger hand because it can offer far more than Golden State can under the exception, and ESPN reported both sides are actively swapping proposals before the June 30 deadline.
  • League insiders therefore still see the Lakers as favorites to retain James, leaving the Warriors positioned more as a contingency option than a frontrunner.

Insights

Can the Warriors navigate the NBA's harsh salary rules to unite LeBron James with longtime rival Stephen Curry?
Are the Lakers' future plans with Dončić inadvertently pushing LeBron James toward a rival for one last championship run?