However real the Warriors’ attempts to form the NBA’s Expendables are, it is at least having the ripple effect of reigniting conversations between LeBron James and the Lakers.
As Golden State begins maneuvering to attempt to pair LeBron and Anthony Davis in San Francisco, the Lakers and LeBron are set to have a conversation.
After it largely being an idea or theory, the Warriors saw Draymond Green opt out of his contract on Monday to help facilitate their plans. Golden State’s hope is to trade for AD using Jimmy Butler’s salary and draft picks, then lure LeBron in free agency to play with Steph, AD and Draymond.
Recently, it was reported that the discussions between the Lakers and LeBron had been minimal and that the team had not yet offered a contract. However, with the Warriors appearing to make a serious run at LeBron, it sounds like the two sides are going to touch base once more.
The Lakers are down to about the final 36 hours of their exclusive negotiating window with LeBron before other teams can, at least formally, begin holding talks with free agents. Taking advantage of those remaining hours is a wise move as it could give the team a sense of what to expect from him this summer.
It’s unlikely this discussion ends with any sort of contract, though that is possible. The Lakers still have quite a bit to do in free agency and lots of moving parts, so it’s unlikely they’ll tie up money on LeBron right now.
But, clearly, there’s something there with the Warriors that is making them change course.
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