Interesting new reason shows why LeBron James never joined Warriors

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Interesting new reason shows why LeBron James never joined Warriors

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Jul 28, 2026 7:59 PM ET

LeBron James had the entire NBA world waiting before he surprised many by picking the Philadelphia 76ers as his next team.

The other rumored finalists were the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat. Still, James is suiting up alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown in hopes of ending the 76ers’ title drought.

As it turns out, ESPN’s Anthony later heard that James would’ve considered playing with Warriors star Stephen Curry if it was a team other than Golden State.

“I had a source tell me they think LeBron would have been more interested in playing with Steph Curry elsewhere away from the Warriors than actually going to the Warriors just because of the history and they think that’s part of the reason they were never ultimately considered,” Slater said on Tuesday.

Anthony Slater on Draymond Green's comments on his podcast:

"I had a source tell me they think LeBron would have been more interested in playing with Steph Curry elsewhere away from the Warriors than actually going to the Warriors just because of the history and they think… https://t.co/LwJsxlfZcx pic.twitter.com/vuIiZPb28Y
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) July 28, 2026

Curry had been extremely vocal while trying to sell the Warriors to LeBron James, as was Draymond Green, although it would’ve made for a bit of an awkward time in the Bay Area.

The Warriors and Cavaliers met in the NBA Finals four straight times, with Golden State winning the title three times.

James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a stunning 3-1 comeback in the NBA Finals over the Warriors in 2016, but the Warriors would win the title the following two postseasons.

For basketball fans, the thought of LeBron James and Steph Curry playing together was exciting, but it was never much of a reality due to the history between James and Golden State.

More must-reads: