7 Reasons the Warriors Might Outshine the Lakers This Season
The NBA is a league of legacies, rivalries, and reinvention—and few rivalries capture that better than the Golden State Warriors versus the Los Angeles Lakers. As the 2025 NBA season unfolds, fans are already debating one of the hottest topics in basketball: Will the Warriors outshine the Lakers this year?
Both teams have iconic stars, loyal fan bases, and championship pedigrees. Yet, when you break down their rosters, chemistry, and strategy, it’s hard not to feel that the Warriors might just have the upper hand this time around.
Let’s dive into the seven key reasons why the Golden State Warriors could steal the spotlight from the Los Angeles Lakers this season.
1. Stephen Curry’s Leadership Still Sets the Standard
When you talk about modern basketball leadership, one name consistently rises to the top — Stephen Curry. Even in his mid-30s, Curry continues to redefine what it means to lead a championship team. His influence extends beyond stats and into the heart of Golden State’s culture.
Curry isn’t just a scorer; he’s the emotional anchor of the team. His ability to inspire teammates with humility and intensity gives the Warriors an unmatched edge. While LeBron James remains an icon for the Lakers, his leadership style tends to lean more toward control and orchestration. Curry, on the other hand, leads by elevation — he makes everyone around him better.
Curry’s off-ball movement forces defenses to panic, creating space for teammates like Klay Thompson and Jonathan Kuminga to thrive. His leadership, exemplified through a relentless work ethic, selflessness, and calm under pressure, continues to be the blueprint for success.
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2. The Warriors’ Younger Core Is Peaking at the Right Time
One of the biggest criticisms of the Warriors over the last few years was their aging core. But the narrative is shifting. Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Brandin Podziemski are blossoming into reliable contributors who complement the veterans perfectly.
Kuminga’s athleticism adds a new dimension to the Warriors’ attack — he’s no longer just a project but a legitimate two-way player who can guard multiple positions. Moody has developed into a confident shooter and defensive presence, while Podziemski’s high IQ and playmaking offer glimpses of a future star.
This new wave of talent is peaking just as the older stars remain productive. The balance between youth and experience could be the formula that reignites another title run.
In contrast, the Lakers’ young players are still struggling for consistency. While Austin Reaves and Max Christie show promise, the team still heavily leans on LeBron and AD. The Warriors’ player development, meanwhile, is setting them up for both short-term success and long-term sustainability.
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3. Lakers’ Dependence on Aging Stars Could Backfire
Let’s be honest — as great as LeBron James and Anthony Davis are, time is undefeated. At 40, LeBron is still playing elite basketball, but managing his minutes has become a necessity, not a choice. Anthony Davis, though dominant when healthy, continues to battle nagging injuries that affect his availability.
The Lakers’ championship hopes often hinge on whether both of them can stay healthy. When either star is sidelined, the team’s offense stagnates, and defensive consistency disappears. That’s a dangerous dependency in a grueling 82-game season.
Meanwhile, the Warriors have learned how to win even when Curry or Draymond sits. Their offensive system is built on movement, spacing, and trust, not just one or two stars. That kind of adaptability gives Golden State a major advantage.
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4. Steve Kerr’s System Promotes Consistency
You can’t talk about the Warriors’ sustained success without mentioning Steve Kerr. His system is a masterpiece of modern basketball — a blend of motion offense, unselfish passing, and defensive discipline.
While many teams rely on isolation-heavy schemes, the Warriors thrive on constant movement. Every player touches the ball, every cut has purpose, and every possession embodies teamwork. This makes them incredibly difficult to defend, especially when Curry and Thompson are both active.
The Lakers, in contrast, often struggle to find offensive rhythm when LeBron isn’t on the floor. Their system feels disjointed at times, relying heavily on individual brilliance rather than collective execution.
Kerr’s ability to adapt — whether it’s introducing new plays for young players or adjusting to defensive matchups — keeps the Warriors competitive, no matter the opponent.
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5. Warriors’ Defensive Improvements Could Surprise Everyone
The Warriors’ defense might be the most underrated part of their identity heading into 2025. Draymond Green remains the team’s defensive quarterback, orchestrating switches and rotations like a chess master. But the exciting part? The young players are buying in.
Kuminga has embraced tougher defensive assignments, Moody is improving his on-ball defense, and the addition of versatile wings has made the Warriors far more switchable. This renewed defensive intensity has allowed them to compete with physically imposing teams like the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks.
Meanwhile, the Lakers’ defense has been inconsistent. While Anthony Davis remains a shot-blocking menace, the perimeter defense often collapses against elite shooting teams — and no one exploits that better than Golden State.
When the Warriors defend at a high level, they’re nearly impossible to beat because their transition offense flows directly from their stops.
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6. The Three-Point Game Remains Golden State’s Biggest Weapon
The Warriors revolutionized basketball with the three-pointer — and even after a decade, they’re still doing it better than anyone else.
Stephen Curry continues to shoot at historic levels, Klay Thompson has rediscovered his rhythm, and Andrew Wiggins provides steady perimeter shooting. Add in contributions from Podziemski and Chris Paul (who thrives in catch-and-shoot moments), and Golden State’s spacing becomes lethal.
The Lakers, on the other hand, still struggle from deep. While they’ve improved their shooting slightly, they don’t have consistent threats beyond the arc. Against a team like the Warriors, that’s a fatal flaw.
In a league increasingly defined by pace and space, the Warriors’ long-range dominance remains their ultimate equalizer. When Curry and Klay catch fire, the game feels unfair — and fans know that once the Splash Brothers start splashing, the momentum swings instantly.
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7. Team Chemistry and Continuity Give the Warriors the Edge
Perhaps the most overlooked advantage the Warriors have is their team chemistry. This is a squad that has grown together, faced adversity, and stayed united through highs and lows. The core — Curry, Thompson, Green, and Kerr — understands each other like family.
Chemistry matters in the NBA. It’s not just about talent; it’s about trust. Players who know their roles, communicate instinctively, and play for one another perform better under pressure. The Warriors’ chemistry has carried them through injuries, slumps, and tough playoff battles.
The Lakers, however, continue to adjust to roster changes almost every year. That lack of continuity can disrupt flow, particularly in close games where instinct and connection make all the difference.
Golden State’s unity, built on years of experience and shared goals, is the foundation of its ongoing success.
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Bonus Insight: Can the Lakers Still Prove Everyone Wrong?
To be fair, writing off the Lakers would be a mistake. Any team led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis deserves respect. The Lakers’ front office has also shown commitment to retooling the roster around its stars, bringing in shooters and versatile defenders.
If LeBron stays healthy and Davis plays at his All-NBA level, the Lakers can absolutely compete for a top playoff seed. Their experience and size still pose major challenges to smaller teams.
But here’s the catch — they’ll need near-perfect health, defensive focus, and role-player consistency to keep up with the Warriors’ fluid, high-tempo style. The margin for error is razor-thin.
Conclusion
The 2025 NBA season is shaping up to be another thrilling chapter in the Warriors vs Lakers rivalry. Both teams have greatness in their DNA, but when you examine leadership, chemistry, coaching, and roster balance, the Golden State Warriors seem better positioned to shine brighter this year.
Curry’s leadership, Kerr’s system, defensive resurgence, and the young core’s growth make them a dangerous team. The Lakers, while talented, are battling time, health, and chemistry challenges that could hold them back.
No matter how the season unfolds, one thing is certain: basketball fans are in for a show. And as always, when the Warriors and Lakers clash, expect fireworks.
Call to Action:
Who do you think will come out on top this season — the Warriors or the Lakers? Drop your prediction in the comments below and join the conversation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who has a better chance of winning the 2025 NBA Championship — the Warriors or the Lakers?
While both are contenders, the Warriors’ system and team chemistry give them a slight edge heading into 2025.
Q2. Is Stephen Curry still playing at an MVP level in 2025?
Absolutely. Curry remains one of the league’s top performers, combining elite shooting with invaluable leadership.
Q3. How do the Lakers’ offseason moves compare to the Warriors’?
The Lakers focused on depth and shooting, while the Warriors emphasized development and system continuity — two very different approaches.
Q4. What role does coaching play in the Warriors’ sustained success?
Steve Kerr’s adaptability and system-oriented philosophy are crucial. His emphasis on ball movement and defense keeps the Warriors consistent.
Q5. Are the Warriors’ young players ready to take over the dynasty torch?
Yes, players like Kuminga and Podziemski are showing signs of becoming the next faces of Golden State’s success story.
