Dissecting the LeBron James Trade Rumors: Lakers-Warriors Discussions Were Never Meant to Surface.

The Golden State Warriors reportedly made an unsuccessful bid for Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James at the NBA’s Feb. 8 trade deadline, and it appears the earth-shattering news was never supposed to be made public.

Speaking Friday on The Lowe Post podcast (7:10 mark), ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, who reported the news alongside Adrian Wojnarowski, said that the talks were “never, ever” supposed to leak.

“Woj and I started working on it last Thursday night after the trade deadline,” Shelburne said. “Everyone we called to check on it, I think their first reaction was, ‘How the hell did you hear about this? How the hell did you even get wind of it?’ Because, like, we use the word clandestine in the story but it was—another person said top secret—like this was never, ever supposed to get out.”

The Warriors hoped to pair James with Stephen Curry in pursuit of another NBA title, but the Lakers and James were unwilling to entertain trade talks, according to Shelburne and Wojnarowski.

At 39 years old, James also doesn’t have much time left to add another title to his Hall of Fame career and he surely wants to suit up for a true contender.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported on his Hoop Collective podcast (h/t HoopsHype) last month that he expected James to continue playing in 2024-25, but that he wasn’t sure if it would be with the Lakers.

“I don’t know what’s gonna happen with LeBron in 2025,” Windhorst said. “I feel like LeBron’s going to play next year, but I don’t know if it’s going to be for the Lakers—probably, but he’s got an opt-out.

“There’s reasons to have discussions about this.”

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin also reported last month that the Lakers “have not preemptively spoken to James’ representatives about the star’s future plans.”

Amid the seemingly never-ending rumors, it’s no surprise the Warriors checked in on James’ availability.

The Dubs have struggled even more than the Lakers have this season, sitting 10th in the Western Conference with a 27-26 record despite boasting a roster highlighted by Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.

Golden State’s dynasty is hanging on by a thread. Had they been able to swing a deal for James, it’s possible the franchise could’ve added another title in the Curry era.

If James becomes a free agent this summer, perhaps the Warriors will explore making him an offer. However, the veteran has been loyal to the Purple and Gold, even at the lowest points of the season, so he may have every intention of remaining in L.A.