NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 01: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 01, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)

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Eric Jay Santos

By Eric Jay Santos

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With Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, numerous NBA teams are expected to be in the running to sign the 22-time All-Star.

While retirement is a realistic option for the 41-year-old James, he is still one of the league’s top performers. This season, James is averaging 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game.

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons believes that James will sign with the Golden State Warriors.

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"I think it's going to be Golden State. That would be my bet... Golden State makes the most sense to me because they actually need him. And the narrative of I'm gonna finish my career with Steph Curry, the other great player of my generation. We won [an Olympic gold medal] together. The team kinda needs me, so it's a farewell tour combined with the team needs me.”

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 27: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors talk to each other after the Lakers beat the Warriors in double overtime at Chase Center on January 27, 2024 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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The State of the Warriors

With a 30-27 record, the Warriors hold the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings. The franchise is currently positioned to make an appearance in the Play-In Tournament.

Golden State has one of the oldest rosters in the NBA, led by the likes of 37-year-old Stephen Curry, 36-year-old Jimmy Butler, 35-year-old Draymond Green, and 39-year-old Al Horford. The addition of James would further solidify the franchise’s veteran identity.

Golden State was an active dealer during February’s trade deadline. The Warriors sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers hold the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Cleveland acquired James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this month, contributing to the team’s recent 8-2 run.

As mentioned by Simmons, James has a notable history with Curry and the Warriors organization. When he was a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, James faced the dynasty in four consecutive NBA Finals matchups.

While his hometown Cavaliers are better suited to be title contenders, James could decide to close out his career with a once-rival franchise. It would represent a full circle moment for the 2010s era of NBA basketball.

For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.

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