Would Steph Curry Ever Go To The Lakers? NBA Analyst Bounces The Idea Around

Along with the impending NBA trade deadline comes plenty of implausible rumors and unrealistic trade scenarios. The latest round of wild speculation includes a prominent ESPN analyst suggesting that the Los Angeles Lakers might have a chance to land another one of the league’s top stars.

Former Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins said on ESPN’s “The Jump” that he could foresee a scenario in which Stephen Curry tries to join forces with LeBron James. The bold claim was part of a discussion as to what Golden State might do before the March 25 deadline, considering the Warriors are not championship contenders and Curry is set to hit free agency in the summer of 2022.

“We saw all the joy, we saw the laughter in the All-Star Game between him (Curry) and LeBron James, chest-bumping and high-fiving,” Perkins said. “Hey look, I’m telling you right now, I don’t put anything past anyone in the NBA.”

Perkins noted that the Warriors should try to improve the roster to prevent Curry from eyeing other potential destinations.

There are several reasons why the idea of Curry going to the Lakers is borderline impossible.

For starters, the Warriors will do everything in their power to keep the best player in franchise history. Should Golden State explore trade options, the Lakers wouldn’t be able to put together a compelling package after giving up almost every asset they have in last year’s Anthony Davis trade.

Davis successfully forced his way to Los Angeles. With both James and Davis signed to max contracts, the Lakers are unlikely to add another superstar anytime soon.

Before the start of the 2020-21 season, Curry declared that he wanted to finish his career with the Warriors. The two-time MVP passed up the chance to sign a long-term extension since he could ink a more lucrative contract next year.

Curry is in the fourth season of a five-year, $201 million contract. The 33-year-old leads all players with a $43 million salary.

Through 41 games, the Warriors are one game out of the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. Rookie James Wiseman and future first-round draft picks give Golden State the chance to put together a compelling trade offer for some of the top players on the market.

Klay Thompson is missing his second straight season with an injury. The second half of Golden State’s star-studded backcourt could return in the early part of next season.