REPORT: Anthony Irwin claims that in order for the Golden State Warriors to have a chance at luring LeBron James away from the Los Angeles Lakers, they would have to put together a huge trade deal.

The NBA offseason has yet to officially begin, but the speculation mill is already spinning at full speed. One of the latest and most headline-grabbing hypotheticals comes from NBA insider Anthony Irwin, who suggested that the Golden State Warriors would need to assemble a “huge trade deal” if they hope to lure LeBron James away from the Los Angeles Lakers.

While the scenario remains firmly in the realm of speculation, it opens a compelling conversation about the futures of two of the league’s most iconic franchises—and the legacy of LeBron James, a player who has defined an era. Could James actually find himself in a Warriors uniform, teaming up with Stephen Curry? What would such a deal look like? And would the Lakers ever consider it?

Let’s dive into the layers of what would be one of the most seismic moves in NBA history.

LeBron James is approaching his 22nd NBA season, and while he remains remarkably effective at age 40, he’s clearly closer to the end than the beginning. But for someone who has spent his entire career chasing greatness—and often defining it—there’s always room for one more championship, one more defining moment.

James averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.0 rebounds per game in the 2024-25 regular season while shooting nearly 52% from the field. His performance was not just respectable; it was elite. The issue? The Lakers once again underachieved, falling short in the playoffs despite another standout season from LeBron and a healthy Anthony Davis. Rumors of discontent, questions about roster construction, and speculation about LeBron’s next move have all emerged in the wake of the Lakers’ exit.

Now, the Warriors—longtime rivals of James in the playoffs—are being floated as a possible suitor should he seek a different environment to chase one final title.

At first glance, the idea of LeBron James joining the Warriors might seem far-fetched, but there are a few reasons why the pairing isn’t as unlikely as it appears.

Despite their intense battles in the NBA Finals—four consecutive showdowns from 2015 to 2018—James and Curry have shown immense respect for each other. Their chemistry during the 2023 All-Star Game, where they were co-captains, was notable. LeBron has also praised Curry’s style of play, leadership, and work ethic.

Golden State’s core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green is aging. Curry is still playing at an All-NBA level, but Thompson has struggled with consistency, and Green’s availability has fluctuated due to injuries and suspensions. Adding LeBron could extend the title window for another year or two—especially under head coach Steve Kerr, who’s proven adept at managing big personalities and maximizing veteran talent.LeBron’s intelligence, unselfishness, and playmaking could fit seamlessly into Golden State’s system. He’s one of the best passers in NBA history and could unlock even more open looks for Curry and Thompson while also taking pressure off Curry as a primary ball handler.

However, Anthony Irwin was clear: this isn’t something the Warriors could pull off without paying a steep price. To have any chance at making this fantasy into a reality, they would need to present the Lakers with a package too valuable to pass up. So what might that look like?

Here are the likely assets Golden State would have to consider including in a LeBron-centric deal:

• Jonathan Kuminga: The 21-year-old forward took major steps this past season and is one of the Warriors’ most valuable young assets. His athleticism and two-way potential make him a prime target in any blockbuster deal.
• Moses Moody: Another promising young piece, Moody could offer depth and upside on the wing for the Lakers.
• Brandin Podziemski: The rookie guard has impressed with his court vision and toughness. Including him would sweeten the deal.
• Future First-Round Picks: The Lakers would likely demand multiple unprotected or lightly protected first-round picks to offset the loss of their franchise icon.
• Salary Matching Pieces: Players like Andrew Wiggins or Kevon Looney could be added to make the salaries work, though their trade value has dipped in recent months.

Would a combination of Kuminga, Moody, Podziemski, Wiggins, and two first-round picks be enough? It’s hard to say. LeBron’s value is unique—not just because of his play, but because of his brand, marketability, and influence.

From the Lakers’ standpoint, trading LeBron James would represent a seismic shift in strategy and identity. Since his arrival in 2018, the team has revolved around him. He brought the franchise its 17th championship in 2020 and remains its most influential player both on and off the court.

However, the front office has to consider the future. James is nearing retirement. If the Lakers believe their championship window with LeBron and Davis has closed, and if they’re unable to lure another star to L.A. (like Donovan Mitchell or Trae Young), pivoting to a youth movement might be more prudent.

Landing young talents like Kuminga and Podziemski, combined with valuable draft capital, could kick-start a rebuild while still remaining competitive in the near term with Davis as the focal point.

Would Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and GM Rob Pelinka have the stomach to pull the trigger on trading one of the greatest players of all time? Possibly—but only if James expresses a desire to move on and if the return is substantial.

An important detail in all of this is LeBron’s leverage. While he doesn’t technically have a no-trade clause, his influence is unparalleled. Any team trading for him would need assurance that he wants to be there—and LeBron has shown he values control over his own destiny.

He’s also expected to exercise his $51.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season. That decision alone will shape the summer.

If he signals a desire to leave Los Angeles, he could effectively choose his destination. But as of now, there’s been no public indication that he’s ready to move on.

LeBron has long stated his desire to play alongside his son, Bronny James, who recently declared for the 2024 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility. If the Warriors were to select Bronny—or trade for a team that drafts him—it could create a compelling pull for LeBron to join.

Would Golden State be willing to use a second-round pick on Bronny to help secure LeBron? It sounds wild, but stranger things have happened.

Unsurprisingly, social media lit up with reactions to the mere suggestion of a LeBron-to-Warriors trade.

Lakers fans are split—some are ready to start a new chapter, while others consider it blasphemy to trade away their generational superstar. Warriors fans are equally divided. Some love the idea of pairing Curry and LeBron for a superteam encore, while others fear disrupting the existing chemistry.

From a league-wide standpoint, such a move would completely shift the power balance. The Warriors would instantly become favorites for the 2026 NBA title, while the Lakers would pivot toward a youth-driven rebuild.

For now, it’s just speculation. Anthony Irwin’s comments highlight a fascinating “what if” scenario in the NBA landscape, but there’s no concrete movement—yet.

What’s clear is that both the Lakers and Warriors are at crossroads. Golden State needs to decide how to navigate the twilight of its dynasty, and the Lakers need to decide whether to run it back or chart a new path.

If LeBron James does decide to chase one more title in a new jersey, and if the Warriors are willing to go all-in, the pieces might just align. But it would take a trade package of historic proportions to make it happen.

As NBA fans, all we can do is sit back, watch the dominoes fall, and imagine the chaos if LeBron ever suits up in blue and gold.

In the end, a potential trade between the Lakers and Warriors involving LeBron James remains unlikely but not impossible. It would require perfect alignment—James expressing a desire to move, the Lakers willing to embrace a new era, and the Warriors offering a king’s ransom of young players and draft capital.

But if NBA history has taught us anything, it’s that nothing is off the table—especially when the King is involved.

Stay tuned.