Growing Rift Between Lakers and LeBron James Could Allow Warriors Their Trade Opportunity

The pair delivered several eye-opening statements. There are more than a few key points to make note of. For starters, the Warriors have been highlighted as one of the teams known to have done a double take about Rich Paul's comments following James accepting his player option for 2025-26.

As for the reported issues between the Lakers and LeBron, there was plenty of that too.

The ESPN duo wrote, "James understood the Lakers taking advantage of an opportunity to pivot to the younger superstar. But from James' perspective, sources said, nuance was sometimes lost during the transition. Doncic had never asked to be a Laker. James, for his part, had chosen L.A., coming in 2018 when the team had missed the playoffs five consecutive seasons, the worst run for the franchise since it moved from Minneapolis. Two years later, James had helped deliver a 17th championship."

Windhorst and Shelburne also highlighted the tactful social media play from James as deliberate, according to one of their sources.

"Nothing LeBron does is a coincidence," the source who 'knows him well' stated.

The ESPN duo also added, "When the Buss family agreed to sell a majority stake in the franchise to Mark Walter on June 18, [Luka] Doncic was given a heads-up and notably posted a congratulations on social media afterward. James was not given the same notice and did not post any public acknowledgement afterward."

There is a lot to indicate here that if there was ever a time to inquire about a deal, it would be now for the Warriors. James and Curry should be perfectly aligned with their goals for the remainder of both superstars' careers. A phone call should await the Warriors front office.