- The Warriors traded for Chris Paul to add more experience to the mix
- The Lakers strengthened their team after a deep run to the Conference Finals
- Both teams look to be in the higher echelons of the Western Conference in 2023-24
The Golden State Warriors were unable to retain their championship title last season. The team, led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, was eliminated in the postseason by the Los Angeles Lakers, who surprised everyone with a remarkable run to the Western Conference Finals, where they were ultimately defeated by the Denver Nuggets, the eventual champions.
Both the Warriors and the Lakers bolstered their rosters in the offseason with a strong desire to continue competing deep into the playoffs. Golden State traded their young star, Jordan Poole, to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Chris Paul, whose role under Coach Steve Kerr remains uncertain during the preseason.
On the other hand, the Lakers made significant changes to their lineup to provide extra support for LeBron James, who enters his 21st NBA season in peak form. The additions of Christian Wood, Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish, and Jaxson Hayes were crucial moves to strengthen their secondary lineup, which needed improvement.
Starting Lineups
Los Angeles Lakers: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt, Anthony Davis
Golden State Warriors: Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green
The Los Angeles Lakers are unlikely to make significant changes for the 2023-24 season. D’Angelo Russell is projected to be the starting point guard, with Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Jarred Vanderbilt also in the frontcourt. However, Rui Hachimura could start as the power forward, with Anthony Davis moving to the center position in some rotations.
The Golden State Warriors must address the question of Chris Paul’s role, but ideally, he should be part of the secondary lineup. The starting five should consist of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, and Kevon Looney. In the 2022-23 season, among all NBA starting lineups, the Warriors had the best Net Rating and were the league’s top-performing quintet.
While the Lakers deserve recognition for fielding a formidable starting lineup, the Warriors have history on their side. Not only were they the best lineup of the season with the same players, but they also gained an extra year of experience, with their key players proving to be in top form. Stephen Curry averaged 29.4 points, 6.3 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in 56 games in the 2022-23 season. As the superstar he is, there is no comparison to Austin Reaves’ impressive performance as a revelation for the Lakers, averaging 13.0 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.0 rebounds last year.
D’Angelo Russell averaged 17.8 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in 71 games for the Lakers last year, while Chris Paul had numbers of 13.9 points, 8.9 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 59 games in 2022-23. D’Lo could be the best player in numbers between the two, but Paul played on a Suns team that had Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Paul’s impact with the Warriors could be huge to set up other shooting threats as a starter in this new campaign.
There is no debate about who the best small forward is in this discussion. LeBron James continues to dominate despite his age, with historic numbers after becoming the all-time leading scorer. LeBron averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 55 games in 2022-23. Klay Thompson remains an elite NBA player, despite a slight decline in his overall numbers. Klay averaged 21.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in the season, but is no match for Bron’s greatness.
Even though he didn’t play much last season, Andrew Wiggins averaged 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 37 games for the Warriors. Jarred Vanderbilt’s impact on the defensive end was tremendous for the Lakers, as that was also the case with Wiggins and the Warriors, but his little offensive help may prove to be what gives the Warriors an advantage in that matchup.
The Lakers have an All-NBA caliber player in Anthony Davis. The Brow averaged 25.9 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 56 games in 2022-23. At the beginning of the season, he seemed like a serious MVP candidate, but injuries and the team’s record didn’t support his case. Draymond Green’s impact is vital for Golden State, but Davis clearly has the upper hand due to his immense talent.
Advantage: Golden State Warriors
Bench
Los Angeles Lakers: Gabe Vincent, J. Hood-Schifino, Cam Reddish, Max Christie, Taurean Prince, Rui Hachimura, Christian Wood, Jaxson Hayes
Golden State Warriors: Cory Joseph, Gary Payton III, Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, Dario Saric, Kevon Looney
The Warriors boast the superior starting lineup between the two teams, but they will struggle to match the Lakers’ level of depth, particularly on the bench. The Los Angeles franchise has a variety of options to rotate into the starting lineup and the bench. If Rui Hachimura starts, Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaxson Hayes could form an impressive young duo or even include Christian Wood if Anthony Davis plays the center position.
The Warriors could rely on Chris Paul from the bench, but if used as a starter, the backup point guard would be Cory Joseph, who does not match Gabe Vincent’s performance during the previous season’s postseason in Miami. Furthermore, the Lakers have more experienced pieces like Taurean Prince, who may not have the potential of Moses Moody or Jonathan Kuminga but has shown more consistency in his career thus far.
The Lakers made significant roster moves and added a mix of young and experienced talent, providing depth across all positions. Consequently, they should feel more comfortable with their second unit as the regular season begins.
Additionally, the Lakers have an advantage in their ability to mix and match rotations thanks to having several high-quality players capable of performing in various positions. This rotation flexibility makes them more versatile when preparing for playoff series against Western Conference rivals, allowing them to insert different players at specific positions depending on the opponent. This is something the Warriors may not enjoy if they have to shorten their rotation, as they did in previous playoffs.
Advantage: Los Angeles Lakers
Darvin Ham vs. Steve Kerr
Darvin Ham, the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, has relatively less experience as a head coach but brings a wealth of knowledge from his time as an assistant coach. Ham is renowned for his defensive expertise and commitment to player development. As he embarks on his second season as a head coach alongside LeBron James, he faces the challenge of integrating new talent and building a cohesive unit. Ham’s work ethic and dedication to the craft of coaching shine through, and his tenure with the Lakers presents an opportunity to further refine his skills and leave a lasting impact on the league.
Steve Kerr, leading the Golden State Warriors, has earned a reputation as one of the premier coaches in the league. His extensive experience as both a player and a coach has provided him with unique insights into the game. Kerr’s tenure with the Warriors has been characterized by remarkable success, including multiple NBA championships. His coaching philosophy emphasizes ball movement, three-point shooting, and a robust defensive system. Kerr’s ability to maximize the potential of star players like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson while fostering a team-first culture has played a pivotal role in the Warriors’ dominance. His adaptability and willingness to evolve his coaching strategies make him a formidable presence on the sidelines.
Ultimately, determining the superior coach between Kerr and Ham hinges on various factors, including their respective career trajectories, the talent at their disposal, and their ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Kerr’s championship pedigree and proven track record position him as a strong contender, while Ham’s potential for growth and expertise in defense make him an exciting prospect in the coaching world. In this case, Steve Kerr, with four championship rings to his name and a notable reputation in the league, is the superior coach between the two.
Advantage: Golden State Warriors
Los Angeles Lakers Advantages
The Lakers field a versatile lineup featuring D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Christian Wood. This lineup offers a combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive prowess. The Lakers’ depth extends to the bench, where they have players like Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish, Taurean Prince, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt, providing flexibility and options for different game situations.
LeBron James remains a dominant force in the league, consistently putting up impressive numbers and providing leadership on and off the court. His ability to impact games on multiple fronts is a significant advantage for the Lakers.
The Lakers possess a strong frontcourt led by Anthony Davis, an All-NBA caliber player with the ability to dominate both ends of the floor. Christian Wood’s addition further bolsters their frontcourt depth.
While Darvin Ham is relatively new to the head coaching role, he showed promise in his first season with the Lakers. His defensive mindset and commitment to player development could be advantageous for the team’s growth.
Golden State Warriors Advantages
The Warriors boast a formidable starting lineup featuring Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, and Kevon Looney. This lineup, which ranked as the NBA’s best in terms of Net Rating during the 2022-23 season, brings a wealth of experience and success to the table. Curry’s scoring ability, Thompson’s elite shooting, and Green’s defensive prowess make them a well-rounded starting five.
The Warriors have the advantage of having Stephen Curry, one of the greatest shooters and superstars in NBA history. His ability to take over games with his scoring and playmaking is unmatched. Klay Thompson, despite a dip in his overall numbers, remains an elite shooting guard. Draymond Green’s defensive intelligence and leadership add another dimension to their roster.
While the Warriors may have questions about their bench, the addition of Chris Paul provides a seasoned floor general to lead the second unit. Players like Gary Payton III, Moses Moody, and Jonathan Kuminga have shown promise, and with Paul’s guidance, they can provide valuable depth.
Who Is The Better Team In The Western Conference?
The Los Angeles Lakers bring a different set of advantages to the table. They have constructed a versatile roster that combines star power and depth. LeBron James, entering his 21st NBA season, continues to be a dominant force in the league. His unique ability to impact games on multiple fronts, both as a scorer and a playmaker, is unparalleled. Anthony Davis, an All-NBA caliber player, bolsters the Lakers’ frontcourt. Christian Wood’s addition further strengthens their roster, providing scoring and versatility.
The Golden State Warriors, under the guidance of head coach Steve Kerr, have built a reputation as one of the NBA’s elite franchises over the past decade. Their strengths lie in a combination of factors. This group, during the 2022-23 season, displayed exceptional chemistry and efficiency, ranking as the league’s best in terms of Net Rating among starting lineups. Stephen Curry’s transcendent scoring ability, Klay Thompson’s sharpshooting, and Draymond Green’s defensive intelligence make them a well-rounded core.
Furthermore, the Warriors benefit from a wealth of experience, particularly in high-pressure situations such as the playoffs. Steve Kerr, who boasts four NBA championships as a head coach, has honed his coaching philosophy around ball movement, three-point shooting, and strong defensive principles. His adaptability and willingness to evolve his strategies have been instrumental in the Warriors’ success.
Ultimately, determining which team is superior between the Warriors and the Lakers is subjective and may change over the course of the season. The Warriors excel in their proven starting lineup and championship pedigree, while the Lakers boast star power, versatility, and depth. The answer to this debate may depend on how well each team maximizes its strengths, adapts to challenges, and performs in head-to-head matchups. Both franchises are primed to be contenders, setting the stage for an exciting rivalry to unfold in the upcoming season.
But, if I need to select which team has an advantage, that would be the Los Angeles Lakers. They beat the Warriors 4-2 in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals, and this season they have a better team. On the other side, the Warriors landed Chris Paul, but still, they don’t have depth like the Lakers and that would be a big advantage when they meet in the regular season or if they meet in the NBA playoffs again.
Winner: Los Angeles Lakers
