The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors both held their positions at last week’s trade deadline, but a report released on Wednesday morning claims that a move that would have completely upended the league was being considered.
Are you prepared to do this? NBA star LeBron James finally stated that he wanted to stay in Los Angeles, at least for the time being, although the Warriors made a serious attempt to sign him, according to ESPN.
Joe Lacob, the owner of the Warriors, called Jeannie Buss, the owner of the Lakers, who expressed no interest in a deal unless LeBron decided to leave. Given his social media tone leading up to the deadline (he tweeted an hour glass, presumably painting a portrait of impatience as the Lakers’ time to make a big move is running out) and the fact that James has been quiet about his possible free agency this summer, this was beginning to feel like a possibility.
Buss directed the Warriors to Rich Paul, the CEO of Klutch Sports and LeBron’s agent; Paul also represents Draymond Green. It comes out that Lacob’s initial attempt to challenge James was initially prompted by Green. In an attempt to persuade Paul to pitch his friend and client on the idea of teaming up with Stephen Curry and the Warriors, Green even texted Paul himself. According to ESPN:
This was James’ opportunity to let the Lakers know if they ever wanted to take a closer look at his level of devotion. On the eve of the trade deadline, that response for the Warriors and Lakers ultimately came back with a bang: According to insiders, Rich Paul informed Lacob and Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. that James was not interested in trading and preferred to be a Laker. According to insiders, when Dunleavy Jr. contacted Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka during those hours leading up to the trade deadline, he was informed the same thing: the Lakers intended to retain James.
LeBron and Curry together would have been an internet sensation even at this point in their careers. Although neither is exactly the player they once were, they are both still deserving superstars, and given their individual skill sets, they would make ideal basketball teammates.
To acquire James, the Warriors would have needed to make a deal. They could have been able to do it with the salaries of two future first-round picks, Chris Paul and Andrew Wiggins combined (let’s assume, for the sake of argument, that the Lakers also contain Christian Wood). Or they might have constructed something centered on Klay Thompson. Without a doubt, the Lakers would have requested Jonathan Kuminga.
That’s all inconsequential. Nothing was agreed upon. It turns out, though, that the Warriors weren’t the only team to inquire about James with Los Angeles. Daryl Morey, the president of the Philadelphia 76ers, followed suit.
Additional information from the ESPN report: