Buddy Hield's Reason For Choosing Warriors Will Annoy Lakers Fans

The Golden State Warriors agreed to a sign-and-trade with the Philadelphia 76ers that sent Buddy Hield to the Bay Area. After the Warriors sent Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks, they have now added Hield and Kyle Anderson to start NBA free agency.

As it turns out, Hield chose the Warriors over the Los Angeles Lakers and Detroit Pistons, and the reason why won't be appealing to LA fans (h/t Shams Charania of The Athletic).

"Hield chose the Warriors because of the opportunity to win, per league sources. His suitors included the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Lakers."

Hield's reasoning makes sense, especially since he spent a large portion of his NBA career on non-playoff teams.

However, Lakers fans took this one to heart in what has been a frustrating free agency period.

"Not a better opportunity to win. Let’s just call it for what it is. He didn't want to be involved in a damn, circus," said one fan on X.

"He basically meant Lakers are trash and their team is just a reality show, 'Keeping up with the James,'" Another user wrote on X. Another one said, "Buddy knows the Lakers roster is mid."

It's safe to say Lakers fans aren't too thrilled after missing out on Hield.

"He’s a bum! The Lakers don’t need him. We have LeBron," a fan wrote on X. Another fan said "The disrespect! [Shaking my head.]"

But this is just another chapter in the Lakers' frustrating free agency run. They already missed out on several players, most notably Klay Thompson, who chose the Dallas Mavericks over the Lakers.

Now, Hield goes to the Warriors over the Lakers because he feels it's a better opportunity to win.

For what it's worth, the Lakers made the playoffs this past season while the Warriors lost in the play-in tournament. Now, without Thompson, it might be even more difficult for the Golden State to make it in the tough Western Conference.

Still, Lakers fans are punching the air and hoping for some splash in free agency.

Related: Lakers' Next Steps After Free Agency Fail Include Potential Big Reunion