The Golden State Warriors made an unsuccessful attempt to persuade the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James to consider a trade that would pair him with longtime rival Stephen Curry during a covert 24-hour period leading up to the trade deadline on Thursday, sources told ESPN.
Though neither James nor the Lakers were willing to consider a potential blockbuster, the Warriors were keen to offer a package deal to L.A. James, who is 39 years old, is still performing at an All-NBA caliber, which has the Warriors excited about the possibility that he could prolong the Warriors’ waning dynasty.
Spurred by Warriors player Draymond Green’s encouragement, sources said that Golden State owner Joe Lacob contacted Lakers owner Jeanie Buss to see if James’s seeming public dissatisfaction could be seen as a potential trade possibility.
According to sources, Buss informed Lacob that the Lakers had no intention of trading James, but he would need to ask his agency, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, what James’ current mental condition was.
According to reports, Buss has approached her decision to direct the Warriors leadership to James’ representation because, as an owner, she has always acted in the belief that her star players should be happy with the team.
This was James’ opportunity to give the Lakers a commitment assessment if they had ever wanted one. Ultimately, sources stated that Paul informed Lacob and Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. that James had no interest in a deal and preferred to be a Laker on the eve of the trade deadline.
Sources stated that when Dunleavy contacted Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka during those hours leading up to the trade deadline, he was informed the same thing: the Lakers intended to retain James.
According to insiders, Green, who Paul also represents at Klutch, texted Paul earlier on Wednesday asking for his assistance in persuading James to join him in the Golden State. Green had previously been the main recruiter for Kevin Durant when he signed a free agent contract with Golden State, but this was an entirely different, much more pointless last-minute effort.
