When Kobe Bryant retired in the 2015-16 season, the Los Angeles Lakers had to do something that they hadn't done since Bryant was all alone on the Lakers in 2005. They had to rebuild. Through terrible performing seasons, the Lakers have drafted key cornerstones such as Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Kyle Kuzma. Magic Johnson has even joined the organization with plans to build the team into the second coming of the Showtime Lakers from the 80s.
This, of course, hasn't happened yet but will the Lakers eventually obtain the same success as the Golden State Warriors? It's possible. With the direction of the Lakers' now, it's not hard to see why they have gained similarities to the NBA's defending champions.
Both teams drafted well
In order to sustain high success, a team must draft well to gain natural talent. That's exactly what both teams have done over the years. To top it all off, the Warriors took Stephen Curry in the 2009 NBA Draft, against the common consensus that he was an injury-prone shooter. Now, Curry has become arguably the best point guard in the NBA, and he has avoided the serious ankle injuries that plagued the start of his career. The Warriors also drafted Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Patrick McCaw, and Jordan Bell. These additions have made the Warriors a powerhouse, and the Lakers look ready to follow suit.
Similarly, the Lakers' front office has made some good decisions drafting Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Kyle Kuzma. These players may be young now, but time will tell if they will mature to become superstars like the Warriors' players. One thing is for sure, however, the Lakers have made smart draft choices that will benefit their team in the long run. Maybe later down the road, the Lakers can one day break open the gates and dominate the NBA just like what the Warriors did in 2015.
Both teams have appeal
To become a title contender in today's NBA, a team shouldn't just rely on their natural talent. They should attain superstars that can make the road much easier. The Warriors have accomplished this in one of the most unlikely ways possible. In 2016, the Warriors lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals. It was a crushing defeat, but they were able to entice Kevin Durant to join the team. As such, the Warriors redeemed themselves and won the title in 2017, and they look poised to dominate the NBA for at least three more years. That isn't the only positive about the Warriors. They have the appeal to convince players to take less to win. That's a characteristic not many teams have.
The Lakers innately have this factor, mainly because Los Angeles is a popular, big market city. Players are drawn to Hollywood's lights. The Lakers have a history of winning championships, and some of the best players to do it have suited up for the Lakers. Believe it or not, the Lakers have the appeal to chase some free agents next year. All signs point to the Lakers snatching Paul George, and maybe LeBron James in the summer.
Both teams are hungry
When the Warriors lost in the 2016 NBA Finals, they didn't let the loss stop them. They stayed hungry and didn't become complacent. Essentially, the Warriors didn't chase after Kevin Durant because they needed him to beat the Cavaliers. They could have done that the following year with their own roster. They attained Durant so they wouldn't have to lose again. The Warriors' front office brains were geniuses. They added an MVP to a 73-win team, enabling them to compete for more titles down the road. That's why the Warriors are so dominant. They simply think ahead of most NBA teams. The Lakers may have a shot at doing the same.
In the off season, Magic Johnson officially joined the Lakers' front office. In his first few months on the job, the Lakers got fined for violating the NBA's tampering policy, regarding teams wooing potential free agents before their contract is up. This mistake shouldn't have been seen as a bad thing. It just shows that the Lakers are hungry. They want to win now, and they did what they thought was best. This shows that the Lakers are about action. They are just leaking news that they will chase Paul George and LeBron James in the summer. They are doing it, and that deserves some credit.
Both teams are scrappy
Contrary to what most ordinary fans think, the Golden State Warriors didn't just pop up out of nowhere. When Stephen Curry got healthy, the Warriors were a perennial playoff team. Curry was already a lights-out shooter, and the Warriors stood their ground against the elite teams in their developmental years, which included the Miami Heat, the San Antonio Spurs, and the L.A. Clippers. If you don't believe it, then you need to watch Stephen Curry's 54-point explosion against the New York Knicks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O70rVNKIUGE
Curry was dazzling audiences before he was known as “Chef Curry” in his eventful 2014-15 season. Much like the Lakers, the Warriors weren't a great team but they fought hard every night until it was their time to be great. You can see the similarities of the Warriors and the Lakers from their games against each other. The Lakers play the same up tempo style as the Warriors, and they have some undeniable talent that are versatile and can score in bunches. Maybe soon, it will finally be the Lakers' time to become great.
They both have great coaches
When you think of Luke Walton, think of a younger Steve Kerr. After all, it was Walton who led the Warriors to a historic 30-2 start in 2015 while Kerr was tending to his health. You can see it with the Lakers. Walton runs a lot of Kerr's offensive schemes and plays. He has learned a lot from Steve Kerr, and it will help him down the stretch as he leads the Lakers into being the NBA's next super team.
When Kerr landed his first coaching job, he produced results immediately. It may take some time for Walton, who is a young NBA coach himself, but he is still an excellent basketball mind. Very soon, it will be time for the Lakers to blossom into what Magic Johnson has envisioned them to be. While they won't replicate the Warriors' style, they have a chance to copy the Warriors' blueprint on how to dominate the NBA.
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