LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry game nights have enchanted the NBA for over a decade. But have you ever thought about the possibilities of both stars playing on the same team? There seems to be a negative chance that the Golden State Warriors would trade Curry to the LA Lakers. However, if Bron were to pick his side, demand a trade. Then would the Dubs be on his mind? But if you know that Mike Dunleavy is eyeing the 40-year-old again, then?

LeBron James has reached a stage where every decision feels like a final act in a story of greatness. His agent, Rich Paul, had hinted that his client is still chasing championships, keeping doors open. That alone fueled endless speculation. With each passing week, whispers have grown louder. Yet no rumor captured more attention than the Warriors circling once again.

Golden State’s dream is both bold and magnetic. The thought of James joining Stephen Curry under Steve Kerr, after their Olympic gold run, electrifies the imagination. Their proven chemistry and deep respect could transform into dominance alongside Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, and Jonathan Kuminga. On paper, it looks unstoppable. But the NBA has a way of turning fantasy into heartbreak.

Now, Lakers insider Jovan Buha addressed the matter on his YouTube channel. Someone asked him: “Do you see the LeBron Warriors news? You got an update on that?” He said, “No real update on that. I don’t think it’s that surprising. LeBron and the Warriors have been linked, obviously going back to the 2024 trade deadline, which has been about 18 months now. I’m not surprised that the Warriors have called. I thought you just take it at face value.”

Then the insider clarified what Rob Pelinka would do, and everything relies on the Akron Hammer alone. He added, “It’s the Warriors inquiring about LeBron, trying to see if he’s available, trying to get him. I’m not surprised by that. If I’m the Lakers, unless LeBron is demanding out and demanding out specifically to Golden State, I am not entertaining that.” That single line is the justification. Rob Pelinka, as Lakers GM, isn’t even considering trade talks unless LeBron himself demands a move to the Warriors. So the insider reveals Pelinka’s only condition: a direct, specific trade request from LeBron James.

Now, of course, there is more to the story than just the Dubs trying to reach out to James. Crucial financial implications for Jonathan Kuminga are also playing a major role in stopping the Golden State Warriors from being convincing enough for the Los Angeles Lakers‘ front office. Let’s dive in.

The Dubs have roadblocks in their pursuit of LeBron James

Brett Siegel revealed the Warriors never stopped chasing LeBron James. They tried before the 2023-24 deadline, circled back at the start of this offseason, and again after he picked up his $52.6 million option on June 30. Stephen Curry’s bond with James and Draymond Green’s push in February 2024 added fuel. Yet the Lakers have been firm. Their attention is locked onto Luka Doncic’s $165 million future.

The numbers tell the hardest truth. Even if Jonathan Kuminga landed the $30 million annual deal he seeks, the gap to James’ $52.6 million salary in 2025-26 stays above $20 million. To close it, the Golden State would need to stack contracts of veterans and rotation players. But that strategy would leave their depth shattered, making the pursuit of dominance dangerously self-destructive.

For Los Angeles, leverage is everything. James has not asked out, and by opting into his contract, he tethered himself to Laker gold for at least one more year. Any discussion starts and ends with his blessing. If that day arrives, the cost would explode beyond Kuminga. The Lakers would demand prime draft capital, cornerstone prospects, and assets strong enough to rewrite an entire championship timeline.

Well, LeBron to the Warriors sounds like basketball’s wildest dream dressed in gold, but reality keeps slamming the brakes. Rob Pelinka will only listen if LeBron himself points toward the Bay. Jonathan Kuminga’s situation makes the math even uglier, and the Lakers have already crowned Luka Doncic their future. So until LeBron speaks, the Warriors are chasing a star that refuses to fall.