Will LeBron James go to the Golden State Warriors? What we know

LeBron James isn’t expected to be back in a Los Angeles Lakers jersey after informing the team that they can move on without him,

A person familiar with the situation who was not authorized to speak publicly confirmed to USA TODAY Sports what was first reported by ESPN insider Shams Charania.

Now all of a sudden, those rumors you heard about James potentially taking his talents to the Bay Area seem more and more believable.

But hold your horses. It's not a clear cut path, just yet.

According to ESPN's Anthony Slater, the Warriors haven't been given any indication that they are the preferred landing spot for James. There's reason to believe that Golden State will have appeal but they will have to do some additional recruiting.

That additional recruiting required could signal the Warriors doing what they can to bring in James' 2020 title running mate, Anthony Davis, over in a trade with the Washington Wizards. James, according to ESPN, would only join the Warriors if they are able to get Davis from Washington and form a nucleus with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

Golden State would need to free up money to pull this off. One of the reported avenues to make it happen would be finding a trade partner to get off of Jimmy Butler's contract worth $56.8 million.

However, there could be some complications, according to Hoops Wire, as the Wizards don't want to take on Butler's contract, especially coming off of a season-ending ACL tear. If Golden State wants to land Davis, it's going to take a third team.

Additionally, Butler's agent told ESPN that the Warriors remain "resolute in their plan to support Jimmy through his rehab and have him return to form and continue together on a quest to compete for a championship."

Golden State still has a pathway to land LeBron James. According to Hoops Hype's Yossi Gozlan, if they don't make the Butler-Davis swap, their other option would be to trade Moses Moody to open the $15 million mid-level exception for James, as Green re-signs on a friendlier deal that keeps the Warriors under the first apron.

It's not the first time the Warriors have shown interest in James, having contacted the Lakers multiple times regarding his availability. Now, the Dubs have the chance to finally get the guy they've chased for years.