It’s 2024 and teams led by Stephen Curry and LeBron James are once again at the top of the Western Conference. The Warriors have risen to a 6-1 record, which puts them in a tie for second place, while the Lakers are not far behind, holding on to the fifth spot in a crowded situation with several other teams off to a 4-3 start. This strong start reflects the impact of both veteran leadership and tactical innovation from the new coaching staff.

At the center of it all are James and Curry. The two will always be intertwined after all these years of competing in the finals, and even more so now that they are the de facto faces of the competition. Despite some poor 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 deviations through seven matches played, disrupting the opponents’ plans. More than their high-octane offense, it’s their defense that has made a noticeable jump from last year and is showing up early in the standings.

However, the core of the Warriors’ offense is the generational talent in Steph. Curry’s impact on the game remains unparalleled: 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 with Draymond leading the pack while their leader has been sidelined. His energy and presence provide stability to the defense and set the tone for the entire team. Green’s communication and hustle provide a road map for the younger Warriors, an example of what is 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 emerging 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 who helped 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 about their role, allowing the Warriors to remain competitive in all game situations and allowing Kerr to make strategic adjustments without compromising the flow of the team.

The Lakers are also off to a strong start to the season, despite recent disappointing losses. With new head coach JJ Redick bringing a fresh perspective and strategic change to the team, the Lakers look a much different team than they did a year ago. Redick’s emphasis on ball movement and three-point efficiency has given the Lakers an offensive boost, allowing their shooters to maximize space and versatility. His experience as a former player gives him a strong bond with the team, allowing him to deliver a confident and cohesive approach.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain crucial, with LeBron’s vision and leadership guiding the Lakers’ offense while Davis continues to dominate defensively and in the paint. Their veteran presence is offset by young players like Austin Reaves, who has developed as a consistent scorer and playmaker, adding to the Lakers’ depth.

Why LeBron and Steph, Lakers and Warriors are good is great for the NBA

With James and Curry’s teams at the top, the NBA is benefiting from a renewed excitement for their teams. Both the Lakers and Warriors lead the way in national TV appearances this year — with 39 and 36, respectively — underscoring the appeal 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 where younger stars are emerging, the presence of LeBron and Steph at the top underlines 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, are bringing more viewers and energy to the league.

Their newfound competitiveness increases the intrigue of the Western Conference and creates the opportunity for classic matchups in the playoffs, reigniting a rivalry that has captivated fans for years.

As the season progresses, the Warriors and Lakers prove that their presence at the top is essential to keeping the NBA as exciting as ever.