Overview

• NBA insider Jake Fischer reports Golden State contacted the Lakers multiple times over the past 18 months to gauge a path to pairing LeBron James with Stephen Curry.
• James has not requested a trade and is expected to start the 2025–26 season with the Lakers after opting into his $52.6 million contract.
• Lakers GM Rob Pelinka said recent discussions with James and agent Rich Paul have been positive and noted it would be great if James retired as a Laker.
• Earlier interest around the 2024 trade deadline fizzled after Rich Paul opposed a move that could invite backlash, as detailed by Marc Stein.
• Significant cap mechanics and the Lakers’ reluctance to separate James from Luka Dončić mean any proposals circulating in media remain speculative.