The Los Angeles Lakers’ season ended sharply on Monday night, with the Oklahoma City Thunder completing a 4-0 sweep after a 115-110 Game 4 win.
That elimination immediately shifted attention towards LeBron James and his future. With his contract close to its end, retirement, staying put and leaving are all being discussed.
Gary Payton has now added another layer to the debate, naming the destination he believes becomes realistic if James decides to move on from Los Angeles.
Gary Payton says LeBron James could head to Golden State
Speaking on the Nightcap Show, Payton suggested James would avoid returning to the Eastern Conference if he leaves the Lakers this offseason.
The former NBA champion said: “I don’t think he’s gonna come to the East because that’s gonna be a little toll for them to go back and forth.
“Like I said, there’s a good shot that if he leaves, he’s going to Golden State.”
The Warriors have been linked with interest in James before, and that idea has not completely gone away as Golden State considers their next step.
Their timeline still revolves around Stephen Curry. If the Warriors want to maximise his final high-level years, another major veteran swing would fit that urgency.
LeBron James still delivered in elimination defeat
Even as the Lakers went out, James gave another reminder of how productive he remains in the biggest pressure spots.
According to ESPN, he recorded his 20th career 20-point double-double when facing elimination. No one has more in NBA history, as he is now tied with Wilt Chamberlain on that list.
James finished Game 4 with 24 points and 12 rebounds, but it was not enough to prevent Oklahoma City from closing the series.
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