Warriors reportedly anticipate LeBron James will return to Lakers this offseason originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
LeBron James’ decision on his future remains one of the biggest uncertainties heading into this NBA offseason.
With the 41-year-old superstar not ruling out retirement just yet, several teams likely will jump on the opportunity of landing a future Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee on their rosters.
The Warriors have been one of the teams considered to be a likely suitor for James in free agency, but Golden State reportedly anticipates the four-time NBA MVP to return to the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Openness does not equal anticipation,” ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported Wednesday, citing team sources.
“All the intel that Warriors decision-makers have gathered continues to point toward James’ return to the Lakers, team sources said, and they are currently plotting their summer under that premise,” Slater wrote.
“The Warriors’ pitch, if the door cracks open, would be simple. They can clear room for the full $15.1 million nontaxpayer midlevel — a team-friendly, low-risk bargain with on-court and off-court financial upside.”
James is coming off a two-year, $101.4 million contract that he signed with the Lakers in 2024 and expired after the conclusion of the 2025-26 NBA season.
The 22-time NBA All-Star selection reportedly is in negotiations with the Lakers, making his return to Los Angeles the likeliest scenario ahead of James’ potentially 24th career season.
However, if the two sides do not come to an agreement, Golden State is expected to enter the sweepstakes to acquire James.
“James is an obvious top free agent target at that price point,” Slater also wrote. “The Warriors could theoretically tack on a second-season player option and get Stephen Curry in on the recruitment process, if required. But they haven’t knocked on that door because they’ve been given any indication it can be unlocked.”
With James’ history of playing with Curry during the 2024 Olympics and friendship with Warriors star Draymond Green, it would make sense for James to join Golden State for another potential championship run.
But with a return to Los Angeles being the likeliest scenario for James this offseason, it might be more difficult now to imagine the 21-time All-NBA selection donning a Warriors jersey at least once before his illustrious career comes to a close.
