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Warriors predicted to land $101 million Lakers superstar to help Stephen Curry win fifth title
TL;DR
The Golden State Warriors are projected to acquire a $101 million superstar from the Los Angeles Lakers to support Stephen Curry in his quest for a fifth championship. Currently, the Warriors are in the Play-in Tournament for the 2025-26 season.
Warriors predicted to land $101 million Lakers superstar to help Stephen Curry win fifth title originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Fortunately for the Golden State Warriors, their 2025-26 season isn’t over just yet.
Despite failing to earn a Top 6 seed in the Western Conference and securing an automatic spot in the postseason, the Warriors punched their ticket to the Play-in Tournament. With the Dubs possessing the No. 9 seed, they must beat the Los Angeles Clippers (No. 10 seed) and the loser of the No. 7 vs No. 8 contest (Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns) to advance to the playoffs.
Considering it’s highly unlikely Golden State will make a run of any kind if they participate in the postseason, it makes sense for analysts/writers to begin looking ahead to the looming offseason.
On Sunday, Bleacher Report’s Erik Beaston did just that, predicting that the seven-time NBA champions will land the Los Angeles Lakers’ 41-year-old star in the summer to help Stephen Curry win his fifth title.
“(LeBron) James is still producing,” Beaston wrote Sunday. “Even accepting the role of third option for the Lakers, the four-time league MVP is averaging 21 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting 51.7% from the floor and 32.1 percent from beyond the arc.”
“He is still a game-changing player who any team would be lucky to have as they pursue the ultimate prize in the NBA. With that said, there has been smoke between James and the Warriors all season long. From the moment he opted into his contract, and it became clear that he would be a free agent at the end of the season, those two sides have been mentioned in the same breath.”
“If James does not return to the Lakers, who also have to address Austin Reaves' contract this offseason (more on him in a moment), Golden State is most likely.
"Prediction: James joins Steph Curry and Draymond Green in Golden State as all three look for one more NBA title.”
Beaston’s prediction is logical by every stretch of the imagination. It’s challenging to envision James departing Los Angeles in free agency to join a rebuilding franchise not in championship contention.
After all, James is 41 years old and wants to ride off into the sunset with one final ring before exiting the league for good. Teaming with Curry in the Bay for the 2026-27 season would likely give him the best chance to do so, as the Dubs would possess one of the most high-powered offensive attacks in the NBA.
More importantly, James and Curry have won eight titles combined and understand what it takes to go the distance in the postseason. The Warriors will continue to be linked to James until the future Hall of Fame officially decides what’s next.
More NBA: Why Lakers are signing Nick Smith Jr. before playoffs
Q&A
Who is the $101 million Lakers superstar predicted to join the Warriors?
The predicted superstar is a 41-year-old player from the Los Angeles Lakers, though the specific name is not mentioned in the article.
What are the Warriors' chances of making the playoffs in the 2025-26 season?
The Warriors currently hold the No. 9 seed and must win two games in the Play-in Tournament to advance to the playoffs.
How many championships has Stephen Curry won with the Warriors?
Stephen Curry has won four championships with the Golden State Warriors and is aiming for his fifth title.
