The Golden State Warriors have emerged as one of the favorites to land a star forward from the Los Angeles Lakers to pair alongside Stephen Curry.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30)
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30)

© Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

  • Warriors strengthened roster with key signings after resolving Jonathan Kuminga’s contract dispute.
  • Warriors have third-best odds to acquire LeBron James if traded from Lakers.
  • Trading for James would likely require moving Butler or Green, making a deal unlikely this season.

The Golden State Warriors’ 2025-26 season opener is only a week away as they travel to take on the Los Angeles Lakers on NBA Opening Night on October 21.

For the Warriors, they are expected to be a contender in the Western Conference this season thanks to their star trio of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green leading the way and they also made some key additions to their roster this offseason.

Stephen Curry Draymond Green

The Golden State Warriors’ 2025-26 season opener is only a week away as they travel to take on the Los Angeles Lakers on NBA Opening Night on October 21.

For the Warriors, they are expected to be a contender in the Western Conference this season thanks to their star trio of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green leading the way and they also made some key additions to their roster this offseason.

Despite this, Golden State was able to sign Kuminga to a new two-year deal and after doing so they then signed Al Horford, Gary Payton II, De’Anthony Melton and Seth Curry in free agency to upgrade their roster.

Golden State Warriors big man Al Horford during the preseason game against the LA Lakers.

By making these moves, the Warriors were able to bolster their rotation heading into the new season as they try to clinch a top seed in the West and make another run at a championship.

Warriors Among Favorites to Acquire LeBron James From Lakers

While Golden State tries to make another title run this season, they have also continued to be linked to a superstar forward from the Lakers in trade rumors.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James

That player would be LeBron James, as the future Hall of Famer has been the subject of trade rumors due to him entering the final year of his contract with the Lakers.

According to Bovada, the Warriors have the third-best odds (+450) to acquire the star forward to pair alongside Curry this season ahead of the trade deadline.

The Dallas Mavericks are the favorite (-120) to acquire James and the Cleveland Cavaliers (+350) and New York Knicks (+550) were also mentioned.

Why Warriors Will Likely Not Target LeBron This Season

Of course, the Warriors have been linked to James over the past two seasons as it was reported that they tried to pull off a trade with the Lakers for him the last two trade deadlines, though Los Angeles was unwilling to move him.

Because of this, the Warriors then made the trade with the Miami Heat to acquire Butler last season, though they have continued to be linked to James.

LeBron James, Draymond Green

While Golden State has continued to be linked to James, the possibility of them pulling off a trade for him is very low as they would have to include either Butler or Green, along with other players, in a potential deal to match salaries.

Due to this, it is highly unlikely that the Warriors would look to move either Green or Butler this season, though that could change ahead of the trade deadline.

If the Warriors were to acquire James, the pairing of him and Curry could be a great one as the two players have sutured up alongside each other before during All-Star games and the Olympics.

Adding the four-time MVP could also make the Warriors the team to beat this season, though it would likely take a massive trade package for them to acquire James.

Because of this, it is likely that the Warriors will hold off on a trade for James this season if the Lakers make him available as they try to chase a title with their current core.