Warriors Active Free Agency vs. Lakers Dead-End Roster

The highlight of the Los Angeles Lakers' offseason was drafting Bronny James. Seemingly content with its roster, Los Angeles made no moves of consequence, shockingly void of a single social media response from LeBron. However, the Golden State Warriors shook their roster with multiple role-player additions, providing depth for a one-star-heavy team. Where do the two teams stack up against each other?

The Lakers finished with the final playoff spot last season. However, with teams like the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies projected for improved seasons, how could a team with no offseason additions stay afloat in an increasingly challenging Western Conference? Moreover, James turns 40 in December. How much longer can the Lakers superstar have Father Time in a headlock?

While betting against LeBron seems like a dangerous game, now is better than at any time in his career. You can only play with fate for so long until it reminds you money doesn't matter here; I am what you can't control. The Lakers didn't improve the roster and barely escaped the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2024 Play-In Tournament; James can't do everything.

What about Anthony Davis?

The Lakers frontcourt star played 76 games last season, a career-high mark, to no avail. How much more can LeBron and Davis do to push this not-good-enough roster to anything of note?

Conversely, the Warriors may have lost Klay Thompson but gained Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, and De'Anthony Melton. Although the Warriors missed the playoffs last season, Draymond Green tainted the season, costing his team regular season games.

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As the Warriors loaded the roster with solid role players and Curry's greatness is bleeding over from the Paris Olympics, they are unlikely to miss the playoffs for two consecutive seasons. Ultimately, the Warriors and Lakers will compete for the seven and eight-seed, but the Play-In Tournament has a high chance of knocking out the latter team.