BREAKING. NEWS: The Los Angeles Lakers have traded LeBron James to the Golden State Warriors for Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, and a 2026 1st-round pick , sources tell ESPN. Deal is expected to be finalized today, pairing LeBron with future hall of….see more

July 15, 2025 — Los Angeles, CA

 

In a stunning and historic move, the Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to trade LeBron James to the Golden State Warriors, sources tell ESPN. In return, the Lakers will receive Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, and a 2026 first-round pick. The deal is expected to be finalized later today.

 

The blockbuster trade marks the end of a remarkable era in Los Angeles, as LeBron departs the Lakers after six seasons, including a 2020 NBA Championship. He now joins a Golden State team already loaded with talent and championship pedigree, pairing him with future Hall of Famers Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, as well as rising star Brandin Podziemski.

 

A Superteam Reimagined

 

LeBron, 40, remains one of the most effective players in the league and averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists last season. His move to the Bay Area immediately reignites championship expectations for the Warriors, who have been looking for one last title run in the Curry era.

 

“This is seismic,” one Western Conference GM told ESPN. “LeBron and Steph on the same team? That’s video-game stuff.”

 

What the Lakers Get

 

In return, the Lakers receive:

 

Jimmy Butler, 35, a fierce two-way competitor and proven playoff performer.

 

Jonathan Kuminga, 22, an athletic forward with untapped upside who averaged 16.4 PPG last season.

 

A 2026 unprotected first-round pick, giving L.A. additional assets for their post-LeBron retool.

 

 

The move suggests the Lakers are shifting toward building around younger talent while staying competitive in the short term.

 

What’s Next?

 

LeBron’s partnership with Steph Curry is expected to create a media frenzy and could be one of the most-watched storylines of the upcoming NBA season. Both players are nearing the end of their storied careers, but now have a shared opportunity to add another title — this time, together.

 

The NBA world is still processing the shock of this trade, which may go down as one of the most surprising and impactful in league history.

 

More details to follow as the deal is finalized.