New LeBron James Rumors on Warriors Being 'Live Option' for Lakers Star in NBA Free Agency

The Golden State Warriors are considered a "live option" for Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James in free agency, per Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard.

"Again, I don't think LeBron ending up with the Warriors is the likeliest scenario. I think it's set up for him to return to the Lakers; they're the one likely option that could pay him a lot more than $15.1 million. Also, LeBron could retire," Kawakami wrote.

"But what if LeBron wants to play and he and the Lakers can't figure out what the salary number should be? Or what if the Lakers want to erase his entire salary slot to get way under the cap and add a younger star who fits Doncic's timeline? What if LeBron and the Lakers go through a relationship reevaluation similar to what Kerr and the Warriors just went through, but in this one, the two sides decide to split?

"Well, now. If all that happens, I think the Warriors would be a very live option. Check that: I think the process has already started and the Warriors are a live option."

The 41-year-old James just completed his 23rd NBA season, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game.

James is entering free agency this offseason. He'll certainly have options, with returning to the Lakers being the most obvious one. However, it's also conceivable that he retires after 23 amazing NBA seasons.

He'll have his fair share of options should he choose to remain in the league but explore outside L.A., however. The Warriors, in particular, would be an intriguing one since he'd partner with Stephen Curry, one of the best NBA players this century.

Golden State reportedly tried to trade for James two years ago prior to the trade deadline, but those offers were rebuffed, per ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Adrian Wojnarowski.

The door is now open again for the Warriors to potentially get something done. Golden State is coming off a 37-45 season that ended with a loss to the Phoenix Suns in the play-in tournament. Injuries significantly impacted their season, with Jimmy Butler suffering a torn ACL that ended his campaign in January and Curry playing just 43 games largely due to runner's knee.

The Warriors return Curry, Butler and Draymond Green next year but could use more reinforcements. James can certainly be an answer, although time will tell what he'll decide.