The Warriors and Lakers could be back, and it’s great for the NBA

It’s 2024, and teams led by Stephen Curry and LeBron James are once again near the top of the Western Conference. The Warriors have surged to a 6-1 record, placing them tied for 2nd, while the Lakers aren’t far behind, holding the 5th spot in a jam-packed situation with several other teams with a 4-3 start. These strong beginnings reflect the impact of both veteran leadership and tactical innovation from new coaching staff. 

At the center of it all are James and Curry. The two will always be intertwined after all those years of squaring off in the Finals, even more so now after being the de facto faces of the league. Despite some rocky performances, both Steph and LeBron remain the league's gold standard for sustained excellence.

The Warriors have been on fire to start the season, and they’re doing it through defense. They are first in the league in deflections through 7 games played, disrupting opposing teams’ schemes. More than their high-octane offense, it's their defense that’s had a noticeable jump from last year and it’s showing up early in the standings. 

At the heart of the Warriors’ offense though is the generational talent in Steph. Curry's impact on the game remains unmatched – his consistent scoring and playmaking are invaluable and he commands the respect of defenses while creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Draymond Green’s defensive influence has anchored Golden State’s early success. Even without Curry for three games, the Warriors have continued their winning streak and Draymond was leading the pack with their leader sidelined. His energy and presence bring stability to the defensive end, setting the tone for the entire team. Green’s communication and hustle provide a roadmap for the younger Warriors, exemplifying what’s expected in terms of effort and awareness on defense. 

Younger players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody have brought depth and energy. Kuminga’s athleticism and refined shot selection have given the Warriors a scoring boost, while Moody’s steady hand and court vision have added depth. 

Under head coach Steve Kerr and his new assistants Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse, the Warriors’ dynamic rotations leverage both the experience of seasoned stars and the energy of rising talent.  With a more reliable bench this season, head coach Steve Kerr has even more flexibility in his rotations. The team signed free agents Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, and DeAnthony Melton – all solid role players that have contributed to their cause. 

Along with second year players Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis, the Warriors’ depth is crucial as it allows the team to maintain intensity and momentum when the starters rest. Each player is clear on their role, which keeps the Warriors competitive in all game situations and allows Kerr to implement strategic adjustments without compromising the team’s flow.

The Lakers are also enjoying a strong start to the season despite recent disappointing losses. With new head coach JJ Redick bringing a fresh perspective and strategic shift to the team, the Lakers look an entirely different team from a year ago. Redick’s emphasis on ball movement and three-point efficiency has provided the Lakers with an offensive boost, allowing their shooters to maximize space and versatility. His experience as a former player gives him a strong rapport with the team, allowing him to instill a confident and cohesive approach.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain crucial, with LeBron’s court vision and leadership guiding the Lakers’ offense while Davis continues to dominate defensively and in the paint. Their veteran presence is balanced by young players like Austin Reaves, who has stepped up as a consistent scoring and playmaking option, enhancing the Lakers' depth.

Why LeBron and Steph, Lakers and Warriors, being good is great for the NBA

With James and Curry’s teams on top, the NBA benefits from a renewed excitement to their teams. Both the Lakers and Warriors lead in national TV appearances this year – with 39 and 36 respectively – underscoring the pull of their megastar leaders. 

These two franchises add a level of intrigue that fans and the league can’t get enough of. In a landscape with younger stars emerging, LeBron and Steph’s presence at the top underscores their lasting impact and broad appeal—creating a formula for success and driving fan engagement everywhere.

The simultaneous resurgence of both the Warriors and Lakers is not only exciting for their fans but also beneficial for the NBA. These two franchises, with storied rivalries and legacies, bring added viewership and energy to the league. 

Their renewed competitiveness boosts the Western Conference’s intrigue and sets up the potential for classic matchups in the playoffs, reigniting a rivalry that has captivated fans for years. 

As the season unfolds, the Warriors and Lakers are proving that their presence at the top is essential for keeping the NBA as thrilling as ever.