With already the longest career in NBA history, 41-year-old LeBron James is now a highly sought out target as he enters free agency from the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Last summer James opted into his player option for this current season so he could become a free agent, something he had never done before. 

Unsure of LeBron’s next chapter, rumors continue to circulate for his next destination. Yet the one team that continues to garner the most attention is the Golden State Warriors. 

If you were to tell any NBA fan 10 years ago that a 41-year-old James might sign with the Warriors and join Stephen Curry, no one would believe it. However, this absurd fantasy could become a reality.

LeBron still wants to play for a contending team, and with the likes of Jimmy Butler returning before the All-Star break paired with Curry and  Draymond Green gives this team an star-studded rotation. 

The Warriors sit above the luxury tax threshold but are below the first apron with a payroll just above $181 million. That inherently plays into their favor, as with a couple readjustments to their roster, they could pay James the $15.1 million nontaxpayer midlevel exception. 

Whether they free up cap space by letting Kristaps Porziņģis walk in free agency or Al Horford rejecting his player option, the Warriors can offer LeBron a two-year deal worth over $30 million, giving him a player option that fits the same value of the non-taxpayer midlevel exception. 

While it would be a heavy pay-cut compared to his previous $52.6 million earnings this past season, this is a viable contract given the state of his career. 

There are a multitude of factors that could end James’ time with the Lakers. Simply put, they want to build around Luka Dončić. 

The Lakers are one of just three teams with projected cap space, yet they are looking for Austin Reaves to fill that void. Reaves is eligible for the full max extension worth five years, $239 million, and will seemingly decline his player option to do that and stay a part of their dynamic duo in the backcourt.

Factoring in that Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard are free agents, the Lakers seek to retain their young talent over the aging veteran. 

James’ strained relationship with former Lakers owner Jeanie Buss also hurts his chances of returning. While they never really formed a relationship, her comment that he was “considered a savior” for a struggling franchise rather than acknowledging the work they did to sign him, could make them less inclined to return. 

James already has established relationships with Curry and especially Green, whom he has vacationed with and even attended his wedding. 

Combined with his experience playing under head coach Steve Kerr for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, James would arrive with established team chemistry. 

James and Curry changed the game with their distinctive play styles, which would compliment each other well on the court and alleviate the stress of having to carry the offensive load.  

From a personal aspect, James has also adjusted to living out in California. He could easily travel back and forth from the bay area to his residence in Los Angeles. 

While this move hasn’t gained a ton to traction, you can't entirely rule it out.