LeBron 'Only' Considered Steph's Warriors with Anthony Davis-Like Star, New NBA Trade Rumors Reveal

The Golden State Warriors may not have been all that close in the LeBron James sweepstakes.

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported Monday that the Warriors "were also appealing for a time" for James. However, the 22-time All-Star "only" seriously entertained Golden State if it added "a proven star forward like Washington Wizards' forward Anthony Davis."

Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports first reported in late June the team was aiming to get Davis before it turned its focus fully on James. The idea appeared to die on the vine as Washington showed little interest in moving the decorated big man and could instead give him a contract extension.

It's debatable whether Davis was the right target for Golden State to pursue. Combining an oft-injured star to an aging roster had the potential to disappoint.

But James was right to look at the Warriors roster and think more was required to make the franchise a true championship contender.

Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler are all in their mid-30s, and Butler is coming off a torn ACL. Moses Moody, one of the key supporting players, is working his way back from a ruptured patellar tendon as well.

After James' decision, it's getting harder and harder to avoid the Warriors' title window with Curry is closed.