“LeBron wants to compete for a championship… We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career.” Rich Paul’s recent statement about LeBron James’ desire to play on a title contender has sparked major uncertainty around his Lakers future. With Luka Doncic’s arrival, Rob Pelinka’s focus has seemingly shifted to building around him. So, King James is closely assessing if Lakers still have a “win-now” vision or does he need to go elsewhere to pursue his fifth title.

Turns out, veteran insider Dave McMenamin had a detailed private conversation with agent Rich Paul regarding LBJ’s future, the details of which were revealed on ESPN LA, “He wants to be able to say ‘every night I’m going out playing competitive basketball with the idea that at the end of 82 games, I have a shot to win a championship.’ I spoke to Rich Paul yesterday… his wording to me was ‘A championship roster is never a guarantee. We understand that. But we also know what one looks like and what one doesn’t look like. It’s like, does it pass the smell test?’”

Looks like Pelinka’s offseason moves would have major influence on LBJ’s eventual decision. As of now, he has not requested a trade and is likely looking to play out his contract after opting into the $52.6 million player option for next season. “If he was gonna ask for a trade, in my opinion, it would have already happened like well before the opt-in time.” Dave remarked. Also, there is unlikely to be a buyout because it does not benefit the Lakers as it would just be empty cap space. Despite showing no intention to leave LA, teams around the league have already begun inquiring about James’ availability.

As told by Rich to McMenamin, “LeBron wants to play on a winner and we want to see the team look like a winner. But then, he (Rich) did tell me that four teams have inquired to him about a trade.” Even at age 40, LBJ is the face of NBA and one of the biggest revenue generators in the league. Moreover, he continues to defy Father Time, averaging 24.4 points and over eight assists this season. So, teams will be lining up to acquire him if he becomes available.

Per McMenamin, Paul has not had any substantive conversation with any of the four interested teams. That’s because James has not hinted at leaving and continues to have a strong working relationship with the Lakers. But the pursuit by other teams seems far from over, including the one by the Warriors.

Could we finally see LeBron James joining forces with Stephen Curry in the NBA?

It’s an open secret that Warriors have had major interest in acquiring LeBron for a very long time. Following the Luka trade, there was massive buzz about Mike Dunleavy pursuing the four-time champ. However, LBJ showed no intention to leave LA, as he was content with Lakers building around a younger superstar, “What’s wrong with that? If I had concerns, I would have waived my no-trade clause and got up out of here.”

Even two seasons ago, there was an ongoing conversation between Joe Lacob and Jeanie Buss about a potential LeBron trade. But Rich Paul “adamantly opposed the idea” reportedly worried about his client’s image. The deal never went through.

With LeBron’s future uncertain yet again, Warriors are back in the picture. Well, Dunleavy has been seeking a third star to join forces with Steph and Jimmy, hoping to contend for a title right away. There were rumors about a Kevin Durant pursuit before he moved to Houston, and there is even buzz about a potential Damian Lillard chase following his Bucks waiver.

But if Warriors could get their hands on LeBron, it would skyrocket their ratings through the roof. Not only would they become instant title contenders, but LeBron and Steph playing together would be a dream scenario for every hoop fan. So, if LBJ doesn’t feel he can contend for a title in LA, Dunleavy could pounce on the opportunity to acquire him. Do you want to see LeBron and Steph on the same team?