LeBron James' departure from the Lakers could quickly shift the focus to the Warriors.
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ESPN's Shams Charania previously reported Golden State planned to pursue James if the opportunity presented itself, and now that James has informed the Lakers he will not return, the Warriors are expected to be among the teams making a push for the four-time NBA MVP.
Golden State has spent weeks positioning itself for the possibility.
Draymond Green recently declined his $27.6 million player option, a move that created additional financial flexibility as the Warriors look to upgrade the roster. Green and the team are still expected to agree on a new contract, but restructuring his deal could help facilitate other moves.
The Warriors also re-signed Kristaps Porzingis, though the organization still has avenues to create enough cap flexibility to pursue James.
According to ESPN, Golden State has also explored the possibility of acquiring Anthony Davis in a trade. League sources told Charania the Warriors believe pairing Davis with James again could strengthen their pitch after the two helped lead the Lakers to the 2020 NBA championship.
Any trade for Davis would almost certainly require the Warriors to include Jimmy Butler because of salary-matching rules, although Butler and his representatives have repeatedly said Golden State has assured them it wants him to remain with the organization.
James has been linked to several teams since deciding to leave Los Angeles, but few franchises possess the combination of championship experience, star power and financial flexibility that Golden State can offer.
Whether that ultimately proves enough remains to be seen, but the Warriors appear poised to be one of the most aggressive suitors as the next chapter of James' career begins.
