LE-BLOCKBUSTER
LeBron James involved in sensational secret NBA trade deadline talks to pair him with Steph Curry on superteam
Another team reportedly approached the Lakers over a potential James trade
THE Golden State Warriors have reportedly tried to lure LeBron James out of Los Angeles to pair him with Steph Curry before last week's trade deadline.
The four-time NBA champion's public display of frustration in the previous weeks was said to have encouraged the Dubs to enquire about his availability.
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Warriors star and James' long-time friend Draymond Green reportedly encouraged Golden State's leadership to explore the potential blockbuster trade, per ESPN reported Wednesday.
The forward – who is represented by Rich Paul, the same agent as LeBron – reached out to the Klutch Sports boss the day before the trade deadline, asking for help in the courageous enterprise.
Warriors owner Joe Lacob then reached out to Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, asking if the 20-time All-Star's apparent exasperation with the team's form indicated he was open to a trade.
Buss said Los Angeles had no desire to part ways with James, 39.
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But, notably, she referred Lacob to Paul when it came to seeking the answer on the NBA icon's "state of mind," per ESPN.
The Lakers governor has been running the franchise with the mindset of trying to make her star players content, the report noted, which is why she directed the Dubs' brass to LeBron's reps.
On the eve of Thursday's trade deadline, Paul eventually told Lacob and Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. that James wasn't interested in a trade and wanted to stay with the Purple and Gold.
Dunleavy reportedly was told Los Angeles wanted to keep the four-time MVP as well when he reached out to Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka in those pre-trade deadline hours.
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Interestingly, ESPN added that the Lakers had been approached by Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey a week earlier over a potential James trade.
Morey enquired about LeBron having seen his cryptic hourglass emoji post.
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And Pelinka is said to have responded by asking about reigning MVP Joel Embiid's availability, which put the conversation to an end.
James has a $51.4 million player option for the 2024-25 NBA season, meaning he can hit free agency this summer.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported recently that at least two teams believe that LeBron would consider signing with them for much less if they drafted his son Bronny.
James is averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 1.3 steals during the current campaign.