The Golden State Warriors are reportedly trying to trade for Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James before the trade window closes for the 2023-24 season. The Golden State Warriors tried to get the two superstars together, but LeBron James also gave up on the idea of leaving the Lakers and joining another team after listening to the analysis of agent Rich Paul.
But. According to NBA commissioner Adam Shaw, he would approve a potentially huge deal, but only if the rules were followed. Although the Lakers' 2023-24 record did not meet expectations, ranking ninth in the West, LeBron James was not interested in a trade in the end, and it also made trade talks about himself not escalate, according to ESPN reporter Adrian Vonarowski.
On "The Pat McAfee Show," Adam Shaw was asked about LeBron James being traded. According to Silver, he, like everyone else, only found out after the trade deadline that the Lakers and Warriors had talked about a trade.
He quipped that the boss and general manager typically don't notify the League Office until the deal proposal is finalized. However, Adam Shaw made it clear that he has no right to veto a deal if it takes place within the salary cap; And, fans don't want to see league commissioners approve or reject deals based on personal preferences.
Adam Shaw said: "We don't have that rule. If the transaction is within the rules, it is within the rules".
"Going back to my previous point about the rule of law in sports, I don't think people want me to sit here and say, I don't think it's good for the league. I mean, rules are rules. If we don't like the rules, the next time we sit down for collective bargaining, we should change it. ”
McAfee asked Adam Shaw, "So, would you agree to this deal?" ”
Adam Shaw said, "If it was compliant, I would do it. But that's not in my decision.
The Golden State Warriors aren't the only team to want to trade for LeBron James before the trade window closes. The Philadelphia 76ers also pursued LeBron James before the trade deadline, but Pelinka responded to the other party's question if Embiid would be sold, and the Lakers could exchange LeBron James for Embiid, which also caused the 76ers to give up the idea of trading for LeBron James.
If the Lakers and Warriors do make a deal, the league can still veto it, but this decision will not be made by Xiao Hua, but by the NBA board. The owners of the remaining 28 teams will not want to see all the eyes of the fans, look at the Warriors, and ignore their existence.
James has a $51.4 million player option next season, and he can decline to become a free agent. As a result, Wojnarowski noted that the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia could target LeBron James again in the offseason. However, LeBron James is currently "still focused on getting back to the Lakers." So unless LeBron James changes his mind, he'll end his career with the Los Angeles Lakers.