Gary Payton Predicts LeBron Could Join Warriors

Overview

• Hall of Famer Gary Payton said on the Nightcap podcast that if LeBron James leaves the Lakers he believes James would choose the Warriors, pointing to LeBron’s life in Los Angeles and a preference to stay in the West.
• The discussion remains speculation, as James said after the Lakers’ season ended that he has not decided his plans for next year.
• Reports note Golden State cannot realistically offer a maximum contract under current cap rules, leaving only a small taxpayer mid-level exception of about $6.1 million or a complex sign-and-trade.
• The Lakers have signaled they want James back, with team executive Rob Pelinka praising him, which means any sign-and-trade would likely require the Lakers’ approval and terms they find worthwhile.
• James has completed eight seasons with the Lakers, logging 479 games and averaging 25.9 points, and links to Golden State have surfaced before, including around the 2024 trade deadline.