Rich Paul Nixes Lakers LeBron James To Warriors Rumors

Merlin sees Rich Paul close the door on the LeBron to Warriors chatter during Game Over with Max Kellerman. Kellerman raised Bill Simmons's speculation and a possible James for Jimmy Butler swap, but Paul said "Because I don't like to get into that. It's not going to happen. So why are we talking about things that are not going to happen?" Golden State reportedly called the Lakers multiple times, yet LeBron is age 41, missed the season start with sciatica and is averaging a career low 20.3 points in 15 games, making a splash reunion with Stephen Curry improbable right now. Merlin knows two legends teaming up would be a storybook ending, but timing and loyalty pull the other way. The Lakers seem committed to seeing LeBron and Luka Dončić through, and Paul is LeBron's stout defender. If health or production falls further the whispers will return, but for now the rumor mill cools.