LeBron James is entering his 23rd NBA season, and Stephen Curry is getting ready for his 17th year in the league. Both are still playing at a high level, and the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are both equipped to compete for a championship.
In the last 12 months, the Lakers added Luka Doncic and the Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler. Both teams now have elite secondary scoring options and a solid cast of role-players surrounding them.
With equal expectations on both teams, the Lakers have a slight edge thanks to the clear role they have filled. The Warriors, meanwhile, have yet to define it.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 03: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on April 03, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Lakers Boast Third Option, Warriors Do Not
Both before and after the Lakers added Doncic, Austin Reaves was the best third option in the NBA. He finished last season averaging 20.2 points, complementing James, Doncic, and Anthony Davis. He appeared in 73 games for the Lakers, starting all of them.
The Warriors‘ third-leading scorer last year was Jonathan Kuminga (at least after Andrew Wiggins was traded). He only started ten games for Golden State and saw his role massively reduced after Butler arrived. While a third option can come off the bench like Manu Ginobili did for several years, the Warriors lack the definition that the Lakers have emphasized.
“I give the Lakers a slight edge because they have a third option offensively in Austin Reaves,” declared Kendrick Perkins during an ESPN appearance on October 5th.
We don’t know who the third option is for the Golden State Warriors. Is that going to be Kuminga? Are they going to rely on Buddy Hield? That’s the question. And so when I think about Jonathan Kuminga, I think his ceiling is high because Buddy Hield is one-dimensional, right? When it comes to his 3-point shooting and his shot-making. But Jonathan Kaminga could get buckets in so many ways.”
In terms of scoring, Kuminga likely will be the “third option,” although Steve Kerr is yet to prove that he trusts the forward in key spots. After signing a two-year deal, the Warriors are expected to trade Kuminga. If a deal doesn’t materialize, he might force the Warriors‘ hand.
“I think Kuminga closes a lot of games because he’s too young, too athletic, and too talented for him not to,” predicted Michael Malone.
Austin Reaves Will Be Lakers’ Difference-Maker
In the event that the Lakers and Warriors meet in the playoffs, Reaves will be the X-factor for the Lakers.
On offense, Butler and Curry keep up with James and Doncic, and the Warriors can use Draymond Green and Butler to slow down the Lakers‘ two stars. However, with Reaves able to play on and off-ball and score from all over the court, the Warriors will struggle to contain the full trio.
One of the more overlooked parts of Reaves’ game is his facilitating. Last season, he averaged 5.8 assists and 2.4 turnovers. James and Doncic are two of the best passers to ever play, although Reaves is more than capable of making his teammates better.
The Warriors have limited ball-handlers and volume scorers, and simply won’t be able to keep up with the Lakers until Kuminga is given some responsibility.
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