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Should LeBron go to the Warriors and retire there? U.S. media lists 5 reasons: no harm to his legacy, perfect fit with Curry

LeBron James has yet to decide his next season destination. On June 7, Beijing time, U.S. outlet Fadeaway World argued that James should join the Golden State Warriors and finish his career there. Reports earlier suggested that Stephen Curry is expected to meet with James personally and recruit him to the Warriors. Below are the reasons listed by U.S. media explaining why James should join the Warriors —

1. Joining a veteran team won't hurt his legacy

Many oppose James switching teams again at the tail end of his career, believing it would tarnish his historical reputation. But considering the current situation, this argument doesn't hold.

He wouldn't be joining a superteam at its peak, but rather a squad led by veterans fighting for one last championship window and striving to add another title.

Curry is 38 years old, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green are both 36. This current Warriors team is far from the unstoppable 2017 squad that featured Kevin Durant and dominated the league.

This season, the Warriors finished 10th in the Western Conference with a 37-45 record, ranked 22nd in scoring and 14th in points allowed per game—merely a play-in team. In other words, if James joins, he would be coming to aid a team hovering around the playoff fringe.

From many perspectives, winning a championship with the Warriors would actually elevate his legacy further. Winning another title alongside a group of veterans would only reinforce his reputation as a versatile leader on the court.

At nearly 42 years old, most legendary stars have long retired, yet James still produces all-around numbers and remains at an All-NBA level. If he helps this aging Warriors squad reach the summit, it would add a unique chapter to his resume—he has already won championships with three different teams.

2. Teaming up with Curry, a perfect stylistic fit

For nearly two decades, fans have imagined what it would be like to see James and Curry play together. When the two represented Team USA or appeared in All-Star games, the answer has always been the same: this duo is incredibly potent, with almost perfectly complementary playing styles.

James remains one of the greatest passers in history. Even in his 40s, he can still tear apart defenses with his vision and playmaking. This season he averaged 7.2 assists per game, and his career average is 7.4. In the first-round playoff series against the Rockets, his orchestration completely dismantled the opponent's defense.

Curry, meanwhile, is the most terrifying off-ball threat in league history. He maintained elite efficiency this season, averaging 26.6 points on 46.8% shooting, 39.3% from three, and 92.3% from the free-throw line. The numbers of both players highlight a perfect marriage of styles.

Imagine this scenario: James drives hard into the paint, while the defense must also keep an eye on Curry constantly moving, curling around screens, and lurking beyond the arc—this puts the defense in a bind. Add in Butler's tough play and Green's elite defensive IQ, and under Steve Kerr's system, the Warriors would instantly become one of the most tactically sound and hardest-to-guard teams in the league.

3. Setting aside rivalry, breaking tradition

The NBA court is always filled with competition and clashes; rivals typically go their separate ways. Michael Jordan never teamed up with Isiah Thomas, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were lifelong opponents. James and Curry have the chance to break that tradition.

From 2015 to 2018, the Cavaliers and Warriors dominated the league, meeting in the Finals for four straight years, producing countless iconic moments. Curry's Warriors won three times, while James led the Cavs to an incredible comeback in 2016, overturning a 3-1 deficit to win the championship—one of the greatest Finals comebacks in NBA history.

Choosing to join forces after years of fierce rivalry would be a landmark move. It signals that both historic superstars recognize their most intense battles are behind them, and chasing one last title together is more valuable than dwelling on past enmity.

James has never shied away from controversial decisions when he believes they improve his championship odds. The original "Decision" was a prime example. Now joining the Warriors would continue his pattern of bold moves and write an unforgettable story for the twilight of a superstar's career.

4. The Lakers are now Luka's team, and Reaves' role is also growing

The Lakers' franchise glory will forever be tied to James, but the team's future is increasingly tilting toward Luka Doncic. Since acquiring this generational star, the Lakers' long-term direction has completely shifted.

Doncic, now 27, is in his prime and will be the face of the Lakers for the next decade. Management decisions, roster construction, and long-term planning will naturally revolve around his championship window.

This doesn't erase James' accomplishments with the Lakers—he led the team to its 17th championship in 2020, an unshakable achievement—but his role within the organization has changed.

For the first time in his career, James finds himself behind Doncic in the team hierarchy, and even somewhat behind Austin Reaves. The 28-year-old Reaves is seeking a lucrative contract and appears to be more valued by the team than James.

Even though James remains an elite player, the Lakers are clearly focused on the future, building around Doncic and Reaves. Out of self-respect, James might choose to leave Los Angeles.

In contrast, the Warriors are fully focused on the present, with a clear goal: go all in to maximize Curry's remaining championship window.

That is the core difference between the two teams. If James simply wants to pursue one last title without worrying about the team's long-term development or future roster planning, the Warriors would be the better destination. The Warriors' current ambition aligns perfectly with James' career goals at this stage.

5. Helping an aging dynasty reach the top again, chasing a fifth ring

Championship rings have always been a key measure for evaluating NBA legends. James has four, Michael Jordan has six. Even though James is already firmly in the pantheon of greats, securing a fifth title would further strengthen his case in any historical debate.

But the appeal of joining the Warriors goes beyond that: he has the chance to become the final piece of a declining dynasty's puzzle. The Curry-era Warriors have won four titles, and over the past few seasons, the team has been searching for the right moves to return to glory. James might just be the answer.

The opponent who once stood in the way of the Warriors' dynasty could ultimately become the key figure in extending its glory. He would no longer simply be Curry's fiercest Finals adversary, but a teammate helping the team secure one last championship.

Throughout his career, James has always embraced historical challenges, and the significance of this opportunity is clear. Chasing a fifth ring, joining forces with Curry, and saving a fading dynasty—such an ending would be fitting for his brilliant career.

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