LeBron's Former Teammate Calls Warriors Speculation 'Gross'

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jun 30, 2026 3:16 PM ET

If LeBron James joins forces with the Golden State Warriors this offseason, at least one of his teammates from the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers will be seriously disappointed.

With free agency set to begin this Tuesday night, James informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he won't be signing with them for his 24th season in the NBA. The 41-year-old forward spent eight seasons with the Lakers and won a title in 2020.

"LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers -- including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold," Lakers governor Jeanie Buss said. "We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family."

The Warriors have quickly emerged as a suitor for James due to his desire to team up with Steph Curry.

Channing Frye, who was teammates with LeBron in Cleveland for a few seasons, made it known that he doesn't want to see the league's all-time leading scorer in a Warriors uniform.

"Please don't do that," Frye said on Colin Cowherd's FS1 show. "That's just gross. It won't look right. [Michael] Jordan in a Wizards uniform didn't look right. LeBron on the Lakers - you got used to it. LeBron in Miami - that made sense. LeBron in a Warriors [jersey] - no. And this lineup it's a men's 40 and over league. What are we doing?"

Who else could make a run at LeBron?

At at the age of 41, James remains an incredibly productive player. He averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game for the Lakers this past season.

Charania claims the Cavaliers and Heat both have interest in a reunion with James, but ESPN's Ramona Shelburne said "there's no rush" for James to make a decision.

Where would you like to see James finish his NBA career?

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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