Former NBA star Gary Payton shared his thoughts on LeBron James’ potential future during a recent live show, suggesting that if James decides to leave the Los Angeles Lakers this summer, the Golden State Warriors would be his most likely destination. However, Payton doubts Lakers owner Jeanie Buss would allow such a move.
Payton explained, “I really believe he’ll stay in the West. Look, he’s built a massive house out there and invested a lot of money. His kids love it, and his wife is happy. I don’t see him heading East because the back-and-forth travel would be exhausting.”
He continued, “As I’ve said before, if he does leave, there’s a strong chance he ends up in Golden State. I’m telling you, if he goes, it’ll be to the Warriors.”
“But I don’t think Jeanie Buss will let him go. She’s not going to allow LeBron to go anywhere. She’s still running the team and will be in charge for at least five or six more years, maybe seven or eight. She has five years left in power, so she’ll keep him.”
Payton also noted that James and Luka Dončić could form a dynamic partnership: “I think he’ll work fine with Luka. That’s a huge box-office duo—they’ll sell out arenas everywhere.”
“And I don’t think LeBron wants to give up everything he has. He’s got movie deals in Hollywood, the weather is always sunny, and it helps him stay in peak condition. He’s not going to a cold place. I don’t see him moving somewhere chilly.”