The possibility of LeBron James finishing his career away from the Los Angeles Lakers continues to gain momentum, and one of the NBA’s most recognizable voices believes Golden State could be the team to watch.
“Before we get to Giannis, LeBron, what happens with that is a good one,” Simmons said speaking on his podacast. “This one is a really fun one because the Warriors are really in play now, like for real. I really feel like if I had to bet my life on a team, I’d think I would bet on them.”
While Simmons did not report any inside information, his comments add fuel to speculation that has followed James and the Warriors for years. A potential partnership between LeBron James and Stephen Curry has long been viewed as one of the league’s biggest what-if scenarios, especially after the pair enjoyed success together with Team USA under Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
The Lakers remain firmly in the picture, however.
“I’d watch Golden State,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst Windhorst said speaking on The Pat McAfee Show. “He played with Steph Curry and Steve Kerr in the Olympics. You know he’s close with Draymond Green.”
Windhorst also estimated there is roughly a 51 percent chance James remains with the Lakers, although he identified Golden State as the biggest threat should the four-time NBA champion decide to leave Los Angeles.
Any move would come with significant financial hurdles. The Warriors already have massive contracts tied up in Curry and Jimmy Butler, making it difficult to add another superstar without major roster adjustments.
James is not expected to simply take a significant discount to make a move happen. Any team hoping to sign him would likely need to present a compelling championship opportunity while also finding a way to satisfy his salary expectations.
READ MORE: Luka Doncic Describes What Kind of Players Lakers Need for Next Season