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The biggest roster need for each of the Golden State Warriors’ pacific rivals

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 02: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands next to Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in game one of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Chase Center on May 02, 2023 in San Francisco, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 02: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands next to Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in game one of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Chase Center on May 02, 2023 in San Francisco, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Paul George of the LA Clippers passes around Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on March 02, 2023. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Paul George of the LA Clippers passes around Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on March 02, 2023. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Clippers – Top-end talent

Severely limited financially, the Clippers have had a quiet free agency with the re-signings of Russell Westbrook and Mason Plumlee their key moves. Their trade landscape is a different story however, with speculation around the potential of a Paul George move before a smart deal in acquiring athleticism through former Houston Rockets forward K.J. Martin.

Now, the biggest conversation around the Clippers surrounds their pursuit of 10-time All-Star James Harden. While the 33-year-old is no longer at his MVP-level best, his acquisition would be vitally important to an LA team bereft of supreme top-end talent aside from George and Kawhi Leonard.

Securing a deal with 76er GM Daryl Morey will be easier said than done, largely because the Clippers have a bunch of role players not overly valuable in trade discussions. Westbrook, Martin, Plumlee, Ivica Zubac, Norman Powell, Robert Covington, Marcus Morris, Nic Batum and Bones Hyland — all players who are fringe-level starters or bench pieces.

Adding Harden would be the perfect two/three-for-one player swap the Clippers need to make, particularly given they need some more star power for when the injury curse inevitably hits Leonard and George again.

Los Angeles Lakers – Big-man depth

The Lakers, much like the Warriors, have a major hole in their center depth at this point in time. They’ve got a star in Anthony Davis and they’ve added athletic youngster Jaxson Hayes in free agency, but beyond that there’s very little.

Davis has also long preferred to play at the four, even if he’s been a more willing five-man over the last couple of seasons. The 30-year-old’s injury history has also been well documented, and expecting him to play more than 65 games in a season seems foolish at this stage.

Hayes too has played nearly 50% of his time as a power-forward across the last two seasons, according to Basketball Reference. While he’s talented and incredibly athletic, he also hasn’t developed in a way you’d like from a former top ten pick. Relying on the 23-year-old for extended minutes is fraught with danger, even if his rim running capability may work well with LeBron James.

Beyond that it’s only really Jarred Vanderbilt as the only other option, though he’s also a four primarily. Los Angeles desperately need to add to their center department, particularly with two roster spots still available.

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