LeBron James is ‘going to’ Golden State Warriors, says father of Stephen Curry’s teammate

He added, “That’s going to be a little toll on him to go back and forth. There’s a good shot that if he leaves, he’s going to Golden State.”

Payton’s reasoning was based more on lifestyle than basketball fit. He pointed to James’ roots in Los Angeles, his family’s comfort, and the toll of moving back across the country.

That is why Golden State became his answer. If James wants to remain in the West but leave the Lakers, the Warriors offer the obvious fantasy scenario next to Curry.

It also helps the rumor that Golden State has explored the idea before. The Warriors have previously been linked with attempts to see whether James could be pried away from Los Angeles.

LeBron James future still depends on the LA Lakers’ stance

Payton then made clear that he still sees the Lakers as the major obstacle, especially because he does not expect Jeanie Buss to let James walk easily.

“I’m telling you he’s coming to Golden State if he leaves. But if he doesn’t, I don’t think Jeanie Buss is going to let him go,” he continued.

“I don’t think she’s going to get nowhere. She’s still running that thing for the next five years, and she’s not going to let him go nowhere,” Payton concluded.

That is the more realistic part of the conversation. James’ future with the Lakers remains tied to money, roster direction, retirement thoughts, and whether he believes another title run is possible in Los Angeles.

Golden State would create a massive storyline. James and Curry together would instantly become one of the most watchable partnerships in NBA history.

But Payton’s prediction still depends on a major first step. LeBron would have to decide that his Lakers chapter is finished. Until then, this remains a powerful piece of speculation from a Hall of Famer with a direct Warriors family link.

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