“I’m not going to answer that.” LeBron James’ response to whether yesterday’s Game 5 against the Nuggets was his final game in the Lakers uniform has sent the NBA World into a frenzy. With his $51.4 million player option for next season still on the table, there is no telling whether he will choose to stay in LA for another year. This has led to some bold predictions about his future, even one where he heads to Golden State to team up with Stephen Curry. However, hosts of the popular Bay Area show Willard & Dibs believe Kevin Durant’s return to the Warriors is a more realistic scenario than LeBron and Steph uniting.
Amid rumors about LeBron joining the Warriors, the radio show hosts justified their preference for Kevin Durant, “The Durant thing is a) more realistic and b) a better fit. LeBron’s name is so big that none of us even want to acknowledge whether or not it will fit. It might… but with KD, I don’t have to wonder. I already know.”
"The Durant thing is a) more realistic and b) a better fit. LeBron's name is so big that none of us even want to acknowledge whether or not it will fit. It might…but with KD, I don't have to wonder. I already know."@Mark_T_Willard | @WillardAndDibs
🎧 https://t.co/qTUtb340qp pic.twitter.com/6PN4vwTIGS
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) April 30, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Although if LeBron somehow showed interest in teaming up with Steph, the Warriors will likely pounce at that opportunity, regardless of how he fits on the roster. Because even if they win or lose, just them playing together will boost the Warriors’ economy exponentially. But if the Warriors wish to extend their dynasty and make a run for another title, KD might be a better option, because he has already proved he can win with Steph and the crew. Winning two Championships in three years, KD showed how effective he can be in the Warriors uniform. So, the Warriors would not require a trial period if KD re-joins them.
Will Kevin Durant consider re-joining the Warriors?
While it seems like KD would be a great fit for the Warriors, would he consider moving back after the scrutiny he has faced since leaving the team? Already deemed by many as one of the weakest moves by a superstar when KD joined the Warriors in 2016, it would be hard for him to make that move again, considering he has faced nothing but failure since he parted ways with Steph. Since KD left the Warriors, he has not had any significant success in the postseason, and going back after getting swept in the first round this year might hurt his legacy even more.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Although KD has two years and $105 million left on his contract and a trade from Phoenix could be in order, going back to the Warriors might not be the best option for him. Moreover, the Warriors might be more interested in acquiring LeBron as it was evident during their pursuit of the superstar earlier this year. During February’s mid-season trade deadline, the Warriors reportedly attempted to get LeBron to Golden State, an offer that he denied.
But now that the Lakers’ season has ended in disappointment, that move could be back in play. With LeBron, Steph, and KD, all not playing in the second round for the first time in two decades, we can expect a big shift coming in the NBA. But who is it going to be? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.