A Tale of Two Trades
New Homes for Dončić and Butler Shake UP the West
Hope and momentum are often the most overlooked and underrated drivers of success in team sports, and the shocking moves at this year’s NBA trade deadline gave two teams a hefty dose of both.
With Jimmy Butler and Luka Dončić’s respective arrivals in Golden State (30-27) and Los Angeles (34-21), there’s a bullish sentiment around both teams.
For Golden State, they’ve won five of their last six, boasting the fourth-best Defensive Rating (106.8) and the sixth-best Offensive Rating (120.8) during the stretch. As a two-way wing, Jimmy fits the GS puzzle perfectly. While the offseason move to replace Klay Thompson with Buddy Hield seemed logical at the time, Hield lacks the defensive abilities that fit the Warriors’ defensive scheme. Jimmy not only fills that defensive role well, but he provides interior inertia on offense, freeing up space for Curry, who has seen opposing defenses completely focus on him without a second offensive weapon.
Another interesting note for the Warriors is that during the past six games, the Dubs are shooting just 33.7% from three, which ranks 23rd in the league. So, how does a team built around the three-pointer succeed when their shots aren’t falling? Again, we turn our attention to Butler. Jimmy is a maestro at drawing fouls and since the acquisition, he’s shooting 9.2 FT per game at 89.1%. While this individual production isn’t mind-blowing, his pressure lubricates the whistle for the refs, and the Warriors are tied for third in free throw makes during the stretch with 20.7 FTM per game.
Curry has also found more offensive freedom since Jimmy’s arrival, averaging 29 PPG, 5.7 AST, and 4.2 REB on 49.1 FG% and 40% 3P%.
However, even though there’s palpable excitement in Golden State, it feels like LA’s trade is more likely to have immediate championship implications.
Though the Lakers are only 2-2 since the Luka trade, they sit at fourth in the West, just two and a half games behind Denver for the two seed. Being 19-7 at home, if the Lakers grab the two-seed and clinch home-court advantage for the first two rounds, it’ll be tough to stop, especially with the whistle they get at Crypto.com Arena. Not only that, but having two superstar wing scorers is a luxury only LA and Boston have.
Luka did have a shaky start to his Lakers career scoring 14, 16, and 14 in his first three games on abysmal shooting splits. But after a 32-point, 10-rebound, and 7-assist outing at Denver, he’s beginning to find his fit on the Lakers.
Many believe the missing piece for the Lakers is a big man and a stout defense. While there’s no indication that the first hole can be filled, the latter seems to be trending in the right direction. Over the last 10 games (all without Anthony Davis), the Lakers are second in Defensive Rating at 106.5. This is likely due to the return of Jarred Vanderbilt as well as the increase in defensive effort from LeBron (which is analysis entirely derived from the “eye-test”).
If I were to set a ceiling for both of these squads, it’s clear the Lakers have the edge. In my eyes, the Warriors have a second-round ceiling, while the Lakers have the potential to make the Finals. The Lakers' masterstroke in acquiring Luka Dončić not only bolsters their immediate prospects but also positions them for long-term dominance. By securing one of the league's most dynamic talents, the Lakers are poised to reap the benefits for years to come, gaining access to one of the top three assets in the current NBA.
A playoff matchup between the two teams would be delectable, not only providing clarity to who the trade benefited more, but also writing a new chapter to the LeBron vs. Steph rivalry.
