Could Warriors actually get LeBron James before he retires?

NBA insider Marc Stein recently shook things up: he said the Golden State Warriors “will remain in the mix” for LeBron James if he ever looks to take his final bow somewhere other than L.A. 

Stein noted that Golden State showed interest in James during the February 2024 trade deadline and could keep doors open if he decides on a last hurrah with a fresh franchise.

With James' contract up after the 2025-26 season and his Lakers role shifting toward Luka Doncic’s era, the possibility is more than just fan talk. But before Warriors fans dream of Curry and James reuniting, there are plenty of obstacles to consider.

First, James still has a full no-trade clause. He has never expressed a desire to join Golden State, and there’s no indication he’s asked for a trade before. The Lakers have been positioning wisely — they’d rather keep him than risk losing him for nothing via buyout. That means any move would require James' blessing and likely the Lakers’ approval, too.

Second, building a roster to support that dream would be tricky. Pruning contracts to make salary space or offering key role players like Jonathan Kuminga or draft capital would be painful. Golden State doesn’t have enough movable assets to package for James without betting on extended extensions or internal sacrifice — something Stein noted makes the reality of a deal slim.

But beyond logistics, there’s the human side. James has deep ties to L.A. — his family is settled, his business ventures are there and unless he wants to reshape his legacy for farewell theater, it’s hard to imagine he’d willingly leave that. Still, Stein also mentioned that the Mavs, Knicks and Warriors all remain possibilities if a buyout or trade ever happens.

Let’s say it becomes a thing. Would it make sense? Sure. A James/Curry reunion would instantly vault the Warriors back to championship favorite status — even if both stars are past their prime. The organization still carries enough culture and experience to provide a worthy platform. And James, always the competitor, may want to finish on a different note than simply fading in L.A.

Still, realism wins: financial and roster hurdles alone make this a long shot. The Lakers aren’t giving James away, and Golden State would need a significant sacrifice to swing the deal. Plus, the longer it takes, the less athletic its existing roster becomes, making it harder to fit James into a modern, flexible system.

In the end, Stein’s report puts a spotlight on something otherwise ignored: the possibility exists. But between logistics, loyalties and salary constraints, the odds feel way too slim to take seriously right now. Fans may hope for one final “Splash Brothers” encore, but the real hard work would be on the ownership and front office to make something that breaks the confines of a farewell fantasy plausible.

Sure, the Warriors haven’t closed the door. But unless something major shifts, this feels more like background noise than a legit storyline.