NBA legend believes LeBron James is destined to play for this rival

The Los Angeles Lakers could look very different next season. They couldn't keep up with the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, falling just short in Game 4 to avoid a sweep.

Now that LeBron James is set to become an unrestricted free agent, multiple teams might be interested in his services, provided he wants to continue playing. If that's the case, NBA legend Gary Payton believes he's destined to play for one of his biggest rivals. Talking on Shannon Sharpe's "Nightcap," the former Defensive Player of the Year predicted James would play for the Golden State Warriors. 

Could LeBron James join the Golden State Warriors?

“There’s a good shot if he leaves, he’s going to Golden State. I’m telling you he’s coming to Golden State if he leaves,” Payton said.

Notably, this isn't the first time that James has been tangled up in rumors with the Warriors. In fact, they tried to trade for him at the trade deadline before they ultimately got Jimmy Butler.

The Warriors, like the Lakers, are at a crossroads right now. They're not good enough to keep up with the biggest powerhouses in the Western Conference, and they need to do right by Steph Curry by giving him some help.

And even though Payton isn't an insider, we can't ignore the fact that his son plays for the Warriors, so he may have heard a thing or two. The offseason is just starting for James and the Lakers, but if he chooses to keep playing, he'll have several potential destinations to choose from.