Los Angeles Lakers Given Credit for Boasting What Warriors Don’t Have

LeBron James is entering his 23rd NBA season, and Stephen Curry is beginning his 17th, with both players still performing at a high level for the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, respectively. Both teams are positioned to compete for a championship, having added key players in the last 12 months: the Lakers acquired Luka Doncic, and the Warriors brought in Jimmy Butler, giving each team elite secondary scoring options and solid role players.

The Lakers hold a slight edge due to their clearly defined roles, particularly with Austin Reaves as their reliable third option, averaging 20.2 points and starting all 73 games last season. In contrast, the Warriors lack a clear third option, as Jonathan Kuminga saw his role diminish after Butler's arrival, starting only ten games and facing uncertainty in his position, with potential reliance on Buddy Hield or a possible trade.

Analysts, including Kendrick Perkins, favor the Lakers because of Reaves' offensive capabilities, while the Warriors struggle with defining their third option, which may impact their performance. Kuminga, despite his potential, has not earned full trust from coach Steve Kerr in critical moments, and his future with the team is uncertain, possibly leading to a trade or forced decisions.

In a potential playoff matchup, Reaves is seen as the X-factor for the Lakers, as his versatile scoring and playmaking (averaging 5.8 assists and 2.4 turnovers) could challenge the Warriors' defense, which focuses on containing James and Doncic. Reaves' ability to facilitate and score from various positions adds depth to the Lakers' offense, making them more formidable in such scenarios.