The idea of LeBron James and Stephen Curry sharing an NBA court as teammates has long fascinated basketball fans.
According to longtime Warriors insider Tim Kawakami, that possibility may be worth monitoring this offseason.
Kawakami suggested Golden State could emerge as a legitimate option for James if the Warriors are able to create enough financial flexibility to offer him the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, projected to be worth approximately $15.1 million.
“If they maneuver their roster and payroll just enough, the Warriors could offer LeBron the $15.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception,” Kawakami said. “I think the process has already started, and the Warriors are a live option.”
To be clear, Kawakami was not reporting that James is planning to leave the Lakers or that a move to Golden State is imminent.
However, the comments add another intriguing layer to what is shaping up to be one of the NBA’s biggest offseason storylines.
James, who turns 42 during the upcoming season, has yet to publicly reveal his plans for the future.
Retirement remains a possibility, while a return to the Lakers is still viewed by many around the league as the most likely outcome.
Kawakami acknowledged as much.
“I think it’s set up for him to return to the Lakers,” he said, noting that Los Angeles remains in the best position financially to retain the four-time MVP.
Still, the Warriors represent an interesting hypothetical fit.
James and Curry helped lead Team USA to Olympic gold in Paris and have frequently spoken about their mutual respect for one another over the years. Golden State is also expected to remain in win-now mode as Curry continues to chase additional championships.
That said, there is no indication that James is headed anywhere.
But as the offseason begins and speculation surrounding his future intensifies, Kawakami believes the Warriors are a team worth keeping an eye on.
Whether that possibility gains real momentum remains to be seen.
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