Former NBA star Gary Payton said during a live broadcast on May 12 that if LeBron James leaves the Lakers this summer, his most likely next destination would be the Golden State Warriors—though he doubts Jeanie Buss would allow him to depart.
Payton stated, “I really think he’ll stay in the West. You know, he’s built that huge house there, invested so much money. His kids love it, and his wife is happy there. I don’t see him going East because the travel would be too tough on him.”
Adding, “As I said before, if he leaves, I think there’s a strong chance he goes to Golden State. I’m telling you, if he leaves, he’s heading to the Warriors.”
“But I don’t think Jeanie Buss will let him go. I believe she won’t let LeBron go anywhere. She’s still running the team, and she’ll be in charge for another five, six, seven, maybe eight years. She still has about five years left in her tenure, so she won’t let him leave.”
Payton also noted, “I think he and Luka Doncic would be fine together. That’s a box-office combination—they’d sell out anywhere they go. And I don’t think LeBron wants to give all that up. You know he’s got movie deals in Hollywood, always sunny, easy to stay in shape. He won’t want to go to a cold place. I don’t see him heading somewhere cold.”