"The team has been resistant to taking on longer-term contracts in an effort to maintain flexibility," The Athletic wrote. "... if the Lakers were to, hypothetically, trade James to the Golden State Warriors for Jimmy Butler, who is nearly 36, they would have Butler under contract for the 2026-27 season at nearly $57 million."

The dream of a potential LeBron James-Stephen Curry pairing was at least put back on the table after Rich Paul's statement that indicated the future Hall of Famer might be looking to leave the Los Angeles Lakers.