Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has revealed the team was never truly in the running for LeBron James during the 2026 free agency frenzy, despite widespread media reports. The Warriors, fresh off a five-game losing streak with their last result a 115-110 defeat to the LA Clippers on April 13, 2026, were frequently linked to James as a potential landing spot.
Why Did the Golden State Warriors Seem Like a Fit for LeBron?
LeBron James was heavily rumored to join the Golden State Warriors after facing them in four straight NBA Finals from 2015 to 2018. Prediction markets and analysts often listed Golden State as a favorite, but Kerr dismissed the notion outright. “I didn’t even think we were realistically in the running for LeBron,” Kerr told ESPN. “It’s just that everyone kept saying we were.”
What Did Draymond Green Say About LeBron’s Decision?
Draymond Green offered his take on why James ultimately chose the Philadelphia 76ers over the Warriors. Green argued that the backlash James would have faced for joining a former rival could have overshadowed his legacy. “He’s gonna get crushed if he comes to the Warriors,” Green said. “We live in a world where people just want to tear someone’s legacy down, and this would have been used against him.”
How Does This Impact the Golden State Warriors’ Future?
The Warriors, currently on a five-game skid (0W-0D-5L), must now refocus their roster-building efforts. With their last result a 115-110 loss to the LA Clippers on 2026-04-13, the team’s immediate priority is addressing their recent struggles. James’ decision to join Philadelphia instead of Golden State removes a major storyline, but the Warriors remain a team to watch in the NBA’s ever-shifting landscape.
