The Golden State Warriors reportedly tried to make a big swing before the NBA trade deadline and explored the possibility of trading for Los Angeles Lakers’ superstar LeBron James. However, both the Lakers and James were unwilling to entertain that option.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne, the Warriors’ owner, Joe Lacob, personally reached out to Lakers’ owner Jeanie Buss in order to ask about James’ availability. James has previously expressed frustration over the state of the Lakers’ roster, prompting rumors about him wanting to leave the franchise.
Buss reportedly told Lacob that the Lakers weren’t interested in trading James but still referred him to James and his agent, Rich Paul. If James wanted out, it is believed that she wouldn’t stand in the way.
However, Paul ended up delivering the same answer: James doesn’t want to move and is happy to remain with the Lakers.
Wojnarowski and Shelburne add that Warriors’ forward Draymond Green played a significant role in the attempt to bring James to Golden State. Green was the one who encouraged Lacob to make the call while also trying to get Paul, who is also his agent, to help him recruit James to the Lakers.
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Warriors come knocking on James’ doors in the offseason. The 39-year-old player will become a free agent in the summer, and although he has a player option, he could entertain offers from other teams if the Lakers’ season ends in a disappointment.
Both the Warriors and the Lakers ended up staying pat during the trade deadline. The Warriors are currently sitting at No. 10 in the Western Conference with a 26-25 record. The Lakers are one spot ahead with a 29-26 record.
