18 Months of Quiet Pursuit: What Did the Warriors Really Promise LeBron James to Get Him?

For the past 18 months, the Golden State Warriors have quietly attempted one of the most ambitious pursuits in recent NBA history—convincing LeBron James to join forces with Stephen Curry. The idea of uniting two of the greatest basketball players of all time on the same roster has captivated fans and insiders alike. The dream began to look more realistic after the 2024 Paris Olympics, where LeBron and Curry shared the court for Team USA, leading their nation to a gold medal.

Yet behind the scenes, persistent reports suggest that the Warriors were more than just curious—they were actively exploring trade scenarios, contacting the Los Angeles Lakers multiple times, and allegedly dangling packages that included Draymond Green, Moses Moody, and Buddy Hield.

But what exactly did the Warriors promise LeBron? Could this have been the NBA’s biggest “what if” scenario of the decade? Let’s break it down.

The Warriors’ Obsession: Why LeBron James?

Curry and LeBron’s Olympic Chemistry

The seeds of this pursuit were planted in Paris 2024. For the first time, Stephen Curry and LeBron James shared the same uniform under Team USA. The result? Pure dominance. Their synergy on the floor was undeniable—Curry spacing the floor with his lethal shooting, LeBron orchestrating with his playmaking and leadership.

That Olympic run wasn’t just about a medal—it was about proving that the two icons could thrive side by side. And when they did, Warriors executives could only imagine the possibilities in the NBA.

Golden State’s Championship Window

The Warriors know their championship window with Stephen Curry is closing. At 37, Curry is still an elite shooter and competitor, but the roster around him has shown cracks. Adding LeBron, even at 40, would be the ultimate move to squeeze another title run out of this dynasty.

Multiple Attempts to Contact the Lakers

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Warriors “called the Lakers multiple times” over the past 18 months to inquire about a potential LeBron James trade. Each time, the answer was either silence or rejection.

These weren’t casual check-ins. Reports suggest that Golden State’s front office was willing to explore all angles—salary cap gymnastics, multi-team deals, and even sacrificing beloved veterans like Draymond Green to make the numbers work.

The Lakers’ Response: Holding Firm

LeBron’s Loyalty to Los Angeles

During the 2024 trade deadline, the Warriors made their strongest push. But LeBron James, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, rejected the idea of leaving the Lakers. For LeBron, his commitment to Los Angeles wasn’t just about basketball—it was about family, business, and legacy.

Lakers’ Shift Toward Luka Dončić

Meanwhile, the Lakers’ front office seemed to be pivoting away from building exclusively around LeBron. Reports surfaced that they were aggressively pursuing Luka Dončić as the next franchise cornerstone. This raised questions: Did LeBron feel sidelined? Was his patience wearing thin?

Trade Scenarios and Roadblocks

The Draymond Green Package

One floated scenario involved sending Draymond Green, Moses Moody, and Buddy Hield to the Lakers in exchange for LeBron. On paper, it worked under the salary cap. But in reality, it raised massive questions:

• Would LeBron even waive his no-trade clause?

• Why would the Lakers, with eyes on Dončić, want aging veterans instead of young assets or draft picks?

• How would the Warriors survive without Draymond’s defense and leadership?

Salary Cap Complexity

The NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement makes superteam construction far more difficult. Taking on LeBron’s contract would trigger luxury tax penalties that could cripple the Warriors’ financial flexibility for years.

Public Reactions and Expert Opinions

Joe Johnson’s Support

Former NBA All-Star Joe Johnson openly endorsed the idea. In his view, the fit between Curry and LeBron would be “basketball perfection.” The duo’s unselfish styles would blend seamlessly, making the Warriors instant title favorites.

Shannon Sharpe and Brian Windhorst’s Skepticism

Not everyone was convinced. Shannon Sharpe dismissed the speculation, arguing that LeBron’s legacy wouldn’t benefit from “ring chasing” in Golden State. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst pointed out the obvious hurdles: the no-trade clause, the Lakers’ reluctance, and LeBron’s deep ties to Los Angeles.

Fan Reactions: Fantasy vs. Reality

Across social media, the NBA community erupted with mixed emotions. Some fans drooled at the thought of Curry and LeBron raining havoc on defenses. Others mocked the idea, claiming it would “ruin the league” by stacking talent unfairly.

On Reddit, one fan wrote: “If LeBron joined the Warriors, it would be like KD 2.0 but on steroids.” Another countered: “I don’t want to see LeBron take the easy route. Stay in LA.”

Could It Still Happen?

While the 18-month pursuit seems to have ended in failure, NBA history is filled with shocking twists. LeBron remains under contract with the Lakers, but his frustrations with the franchise’s direction are no secret. If the Lakers’ Luka Dončić gamble falters, and if Golden State remains aggressive, doors could reopen.

As Shams Charania often reminds fans: “In the NBA, nothing is ever truly impossible.”

Conclusion: A Dream Deferred, Not Dead

The Golden State Warriors’ relentless pursuit of LeBron James proves one thing—they are not ready to let the Stephen Curry era fade quietly. By targeting LeBron, they aimed to create a super-duo that could define basketball history.

For now, LeBron remains a Laker, committed to his Hollywood legacy and to mentoring the next generation. But if cracks continue to form in Los Angeles, and if the Warriors keep calling, the NBA world might yet witness the unthinkable: LeBron James in a Golden State jersey.