New LeBron James Rumors Update Warriors' Interest, Lakers Contract Talks Ahead of NBA FA

The Golden State Warriors remain a "willing suitor" for LeBron James if the 22-time All-Star leaves the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater.

Slater reported this partnership is unlikely to materialize, though.

"But openness does not equal anticipation," he wrote. "All the intel that Warriors decision-makers have gathered continues to point toward James' return to the Lakers, team sources said, and they are currently plotting their summer under that premise."

While James' relationship with the Lakers hasn't completely soured, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported in May some areas of frustration had emerged. In addition, Dan Woike and Sam Amick of The Athletic laid out how L.A. intends to build the roster with Luka Dončić rather than LeBron in mind.

No longer being the focal point would be an adjustment for the surefire Hall of Famer.

Alas, the signs are still pointing toward a reunion.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported Tuesday that teams around the NBA, like the Warriors, believe James will take a pay cut and sign with the Lakers. Windhorst suggested "both will get there even if there are some bruises from the process."

The Warriors don't have a lot of easy solutions to upgrading their squad when Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler combine to make almost $120 million by themselves. Even getting James to sign the mid-level exception would require accompanying moves.

From Golden State's perspective, there's no sense in not pursuing the 41-year-old. He's continuing to perform at a high level, and he'd be a bargain on the MLE. Unlike entertaining a major trade, the front office doesn't have to worry about alienating anybody on the current roster, either.

It looks as though history will repeat itself, however, with James telling the Warriors thanks, but no thanks.