Over the course of his legendary career, the battles between Stephen Curry and LeBron James in the NBA Playoffs and Finales have been some of the most iconic series in the history of the NBA, particularly when James was with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the two teams met four consecutive times in the NBA Finals. But it sounds like there was almost a chance that James and the Warriors joined forces.
According to a report from NBA insiders Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne, the Warriors tried to pursue adding LeBron James by way of a trade before the NBA deadline.
“Over a clandestine 24-hour window prior to the trade deadline Thursday that included owner-to-owner conversations, the Golden State Warriors made an unsuccessful bid to convince the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James to consider a trade to pair him with longtime rival Stephen Curry,” ESPN reported on Wednesday morning.
“The Warriors were eager to present a package deal to L.A., but neither the Lakers nor James were willing to explore a potential blockbuster. Even at 39 years old, James is still playing at an All-NBA level that stirred the Warriors’ imagination about his ability to extend the window of the franchise’s fading dynasty.”
Obviously, this is shocking news considering their history competing against each other, and the NBA world had a lot to say about it.
I've defended LeBron on almost everything for the past decade, but him playing on the Warriors would have broken me.
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) February 14, 2024
The Lakers, nor LeBron, never took this particularly seriously, but I do think it’s worth noting that the vultures are swirling. https://t.co/OjcGbYSnD5
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) February 14, 2024
Joe Lacob reached out to Jeanie directly about trading LeBron. He then reached out to Rich Paul. RP said LeBron wanted to remain a Laker.
Morey reached out also and got the same response.
Told y’all that LeBron will remain a Laker until he retires. https://t.co/XQR9zo8tmP
— Laker Central (@LakerCentral365) February 14, 2024
So the warriors FO wanted Bron despite the fanbase acting like he’s the devil reincarnated?📝📝📝📝😂😂😂😂😂I had to triple check to make sure this was actually Woj. https://t.co/2G2ggTTDsp
— Hub (@KenHeLive) February 14, 2024
This summer, we will re-sign Chris Paul, trade for Bron, and sign Adam Silver. All our nemeses under one roof 😈😈😈 https://t.co/QF7bLfH0Fo
— JacobJBG (@jacobjbg) February 14, 2024
How did I know Draymond was the lead guy tryna convince Rich Paul & Bron to ask for the Warriors trade. Salute to Bron for not leaving AD & the Lakers though. 🫡 https://t.co/Vu0SHgVj5T
— Audel Del Toro (@CantBeatAudel) February 14, 2024
Obviously, it didn’t happen, but it certainly would have been interesting.
[ESPN]
