Gary Payton opens up on where he thinks LeBron James goes if he leaves the Lakers

Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Lakers’ season ended sharply on Monday night, with the Oklahoma City Thunder completing a 4-0 sweep after a 115-110 Game 4 win.

That elimination immediately shifted attention towards LeBron James and his future. With his contract close to its end, retirement, staying put and leaving are all being discussed.

Gary Payton has now added another layer to the debate, naming the destination he believes becomes realistic if James decides to move on from Los Angeles.

Gary Payton says LeBron James could head to Golden State

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Speaking on the Nightcap Show, Payton suggested James would avoid returning to the Eastern Conference if he leaves the Lakers this offseason.

The former NBA champion said: “I don’t think he’s gonna come to the East because that’s gonna be a little toll for them to go back and forth.

“Like I said, there’s a good shot that if he leaves, he’s going to Golden State.”

The Warriors have been linked with interest in James before, and that idea has not completely gone away as Golden State considers their next step.