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.