Gary Payton Says 41-Year-Old LeBron James Has Good Shot at Warriors Move if He Leaves Lakers
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · May 12
Gary Payton Says 41-Year-Old LeBron James Has Good Shot at Warriors Move if He Leaves Lakers
6 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · May 12
LeBron James, set to hit free agency for the first time since 2018 after the Lakers’ playoff exit Monday, could join Golden State if he leaves Los Angeles, Gary Payton said on Shannon Sharpe’s “Night Cap.”
Payton framed the Warriors scenario as conditional, saying James has a “good shot” to land in Golden State only if he does not re-sign with the Lakers.
He still called a Lakers return more likely, arguing Jeanie Buss will try to keep James in Los Angeles and citing James’ comfort with his off-court life there.
Golden State’s appeal would center on familiar ties: James has played with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green for Team USA and was coached by Steve Kerr in 2024.
Any move remains speculative because James has said little publicly about his plans since the Lakers were eliminated, leaving his next team as an offseason focal point.
With a young star in Dončić, should the Lakers let LeBron James walk to truly build for their future?
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