One of the names that could shake up the NBA landscape if moved is none other than LeBron James. If he ends up leaving the Los Angeles Lakers—and potentially joining a new team alongside his son, Bronny James—it would mark a monumental shift for the league. What adds even more intrigue is that Stephen Curry’s name has begun circulating in connection with this storyline, fueling speculation of a historic partnership in the making.
The Lakers are on the verge of a major transition as the 2025 NBA offseason progresses. Their front office has shifted focus toward a long-term project centered around Luka Doncic, leaving LeBron James feeling increasingly alienated. For the first time in his 23-year career, James is entering a season on an expiring contract, one that could set him free in 2026. The tension in Los Angeles is growing, and signs increasingly point to an eventual breakup that could reshape the franchise.
“The gigantic trade that had landed Doncic in Los Angeles had formed sudden new realities, one of which was James eventually becoming an expiring contract,” reported ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst. “It was the strongest sign yet that the end of his Lakers tenure was near. Executives around the league scurried to decode it. One Eastern Conference executive was convinced James wanted out of L.A. A handful of teams—including the Golden State Warriors, who tried to trade for James in 2023–24—considered again whether to make an offer, sources said.”
Rather than building a roster to make a run at the 2026 title, general manager Rob Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office appear to be leaning toward a full rebuild—one that could begin without LeBron James. With uncertainty mounting, teams across the NBA are preparing to enter the sweepstakes for the four-time MVP, and the Warriors are reportedly among the most aggressive suitors.
Golden State could potentially present a compelling trade package centered around young talent and future draft capital. The Warriors, one of the few franchises with both win-now veterans and promising youth, may be able to make a strong offer that includes players such as Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Brandin Podziemski, along with a future first-round pick. For a Lakers team looking to turn the page, that could be a path forward.
A proposed trade could send LeBron and Bronny James to Golden State in exchange for Kuminga (in a sign-and-trade), Moody, Podziemski, and a 2028 first-round pick. While that might seem steep in terms of future assets, the possibility of pairing Stephen Curry with LeBron James for the first time in their storied careers would be nothing short of spectacular. The Warriors would instantly become one of the most compelling teams in the league—both on and off the court.
That said, it would come at a steep financial and strategic cost. Golden State would have to manage an astronomical payroll featuring Curry, LeBron, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. Committing to that core could compromise the team’s long-term flexibility, and the front office would have to seriously consider whether chasing one final title run is worth sacrificing their future.
If LeBron truly wants out of Los Angeles, the Warriors may represent his most logical—and poetic—landing spot. The idea of joining forces with Curry after years of legendary battles, while playing alongside his son, Bronny, under the spotlight of the Chase Center, would generate global buzz and instantly elevate Golden State’s national relevance.
For the Lakers, this scenario wouldn’t return a superstar in the deal, but it would offer the kind of flexibility, youth, and cap relief that could help them build a sustainable future. While no outcome is guaranteed, the NBA could be on the verge of witnessing one of the most iconic pairings in league history.