The expression of 'someone always has it worse' feels incredibly fitting to contrasting the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. There are a handful of comparisons to draw between these two organizations and the situations they are in.
The teams are both currently built around their aging superstars, LeBron James and Stephen Curry. There is a case to be made that Los Angeles has pivoted to being situated around Anthony Davis as their main guy. However, it is difficult to not identify James as the main cog for any team he is on, even at this age.
The Lakers have certainly come up short with regard to putting James in a situation where he can compete for a championship since the 2019-20 NBA season. However, they have not fallen quite as far as the Warriors have with Stephen Curry. Golden State offers a great example of how not to handle the remaining elite years of their superstar.
The Warriors are 'mid' and not budging to change that fact
Curry went on the record not too long ago, claiming the Warriors were 'very average' and a 'mid' team. That statement held its weight then and it still does today.
With a record of 20-20 overall, 10-10 both on the road and at home, one would be forgiven for thinking the Warriors are taking the teachings of the great philosopher, Aristotle, a little too seriously about finding the medium. They similarly possess an average mark of 5-5 over their last 10 games, as well as a middle of the pack,15th-ranked net rating (0.5) in the NBA.
Despite all of this, the Warriors are refusing to sacrifice parts of their future to take one more legitimate crack at winning a title with Curry. NBA insider Michael Scotto reported that Golden State is no closer to making any sort of big-time splash trade that would equip the two-time MVP to chase one more championship with the Warriors.
""Amid Golden State’s trade market inquiries, prized young forward Jonathan Kuminga – who’s out with a sprained right ankle and eligible for restricted free agency this summer – remains a player Golden State is reluctant to part with, league sources told HoopsHype.Michael Scotto
Ideally, the Warriors want to give Curry and fellow franchise stalwart Draymond Green another shot at competing for a championship in the latter stages of their careers, but they won’t mortgage future assets just to make a trade.""
Despite all their shortcomings this season, Curry has still displayed enough to make one believe that a title-winning team could probably still be built around him as the top option. Alas, the Warriors appear to be clinging to the idea that there is a legitimate foundation for life after Curry in Golden State that is not worth sacrificing with the current young pieces in house.
Lakers have given an honest, if imperfect, effort towards winning
For all the criticism that Rob Pelinka receives, he cannot be accused of not trying. While the Lakers general manager has certainly let his aggression get the better of him with moves likes trading for Russell Westbrook, it comes from a desire to maximize this window.
Even now, Pelinka has put in an honest effort to surround James and Davis with something resembling a championship-caliber team, using the limited future assets that Los Angeles has to improve the current day roster. The Lakers do have the advantage over the Warriors in terms of being a bigger free agent destination, helping alleviate concerns of what life after LeBron looks like. However, the efforts to not waste their current window should be praised.
Golden State has been a model franchise for a considerable amount of time. However, when it comes to their reported attitude towards the handling of Curry's final years, it offers a prime example of what not to do for Los Angeles.