Stephen Curry Thinks LeBron James Should End His Career with the Golden State Warriors

What Stephen Curry Said

Stephen Curry is a famous basketball player for the Golden State Warriors. He thinks that LeBron James (another super famous basketball player) would be ending his NBA career "the right way" if he signed with the Warriors when he becomes a free agent (a free agent is a player who can choose which team to join).

Curry was asked on a TV show called Good Morning America what he would say to convince LeBron to join. Here is what he said:

• "The Bay" (a nickname for the San Francisco Bay Area, where the Warriors play) is a great place because:
  • They know how to win games
  • The weather is beautiful
  • There is great golf, and LeBron likes golf
• Curry also said that from playing together on the USA basketball team and competing against each other over the years:
  • "We just know how to play basketball"
  • He thinks LeBron would enjoy finishing his career the right way with them

Important: Curry believes joining the Warriors would be the perfect, happy way for LeBron to finish his long basketball career.

Which Teams Want LeBron?

A reporter from ESPN named Shams Charania shared some big news:

• The Warriors are one of five teams still trying to sign LeBron after he left the Los Angeles Lakers
• The other teams are:
  1. Minnesota Timberwolves
  2. Cleveland Cavaliers (Charania says there is a "focus" on them)
  3. Miami Heat (also a focus)
  4. Philadelphia 76ers (also a focus)

Other Warriors Stars Are Trying Too

Curry is not the only Warrior trying to get LeBron. Draymond Green (another Warriors star) is also making a pitch (a pitch is like a friendly sales talk to convince someone).

• Draymond said on his podcast (The Draymond Green Show) that he talked to LeBron about this
• They were on a golf trip together in Puerto Rico
• Draymond said: "I’d be remiss if I don’t take the opportunity to throw my pitch in there… Of course I did that and of course the pitch was crazy. I think I’m pretty decent at it."
• He also said he doesn’t know if his talk will change anything, but:
  • It might make LeBron think hard
  • If LeBron already decided something, Draymond’s pitch might make him "think twice"

The Anthony Davis Complication

Earlier this month, Charania reported that the Warriors didn’t think they could be the top choice for LeBron unless they got his old Lakers teammate Anthony Davis from the Washington Wizards (the Wizards are another team).

• But the Wizards’ general manager (the person in charge of the team), Will Dawkins, said he plans to keep Davis in Washington next season
• That means the Warriors probably can’t get Davis

What the Warriors Are Hoping For Instead

Since they may not get Anthony Davis, the Warriors are hoping other moves will be enough to attract LeBron:

• Re-signing (bringing back) players Al Horford and Kristaps Porziņģis
• Hiring Frank Vogel as an associate head coach
  • Frank Vogel coached LeBron and the Lakers to win the 2020 NBA championship (the big trophy at the end of the season)

They hope these moves, plus Curry and Green, will make LeBron want to join them in the Bay Area.

Summary

Stephen Curry and Draymond Green both want LeBron James to finish his NBA career with the Golden State Warriors. Curry says the Bay Area is a winning, fun place with great golf. The Warriors are one of five teams chasing LeBron, but they face a hurdle because they likely can’t get his friend Anthony Davis. Instead, they are hoping new signings and a coach LeBron knows well will convince him to come.

FAQ

1. What does "free agency" mean?
Free agency is when a basketball player’s contract with their team ends, and they are free to sign with any team they choose.

2. Who is Shams Charania?
He is a reporter for ESPN who shares inside news about basketball player moves and team plans.

3. Why do the Warriors want Anthony Davis?
Because he used to play with LeBron on the Lakers, and the Warriors thought LeBron would be more likely to join if his friend was there too.

4. What is a "pitch" in this story?
A pitch is a friendly talk or argument someone uses to convince another person to do something—here, to join their team.

5. Did LeBron say he is joining the Warriors?
No. No decision has been made yet, and LeBron is still considering multiple teams.