The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors could be on the verge of changing the face of the NBA. As the February 2026 trade deadline could seem to be a bit far away from now, insiders say that the two franchises are in the process of making big roster changes that could redefine the strength of the Western Conference.
Even though both teams are more than ready for the beginning of the 2025/2026 season on October 22, some think than these two NBA giants are expecting to make moves before the trade deadline comes. Moves that will likely shake the entire league and fanbases.
Warriors positioned for great midseason trade
Their off-season approach has been kind of ‘low-profile‘ but still systematic, as the Warriors lead the league in overall voting in an ESPN poll dedicated to name the team that is most likely to complete a big trade before the deadline. The group of ESPN’s insiders gave them a total of seven votes.
One of the specific deals was the way they approached Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency. Golden State convinced him to a one-year, $45 million contract, widely interpreted as a move to save cap space and a January trade chip. The experts say this was not about locking down the young forward for the future. but about keeping the Warriors in the hunt for a megadeal.
With Stephen Curry continuing to play at an MVP level and the team eager to get every last bit out of its championship window, what is expected from them is clear: the Warriors will seek an impact player to fuel their dynasty desires.
Lakers wait to make the right move
The Lakers were not that far behind them in the ESPN’s polls. While Luka Doncic’s arrival has provided Los Angeles with a new superstar after letting go Anthony Davis, the Lakers have voluntarily maintained high first-round draft picks.
This measured patience indicates that the front office is ready to wait until the right moment presents itself. LeBron James is in the final stages of his playing career, and the Lakers are in a search to pick up the missing piece that will guide them once more into the NBA Finals.
Targets are not yet publicly identified, but analysts believe the Lakers might attempt to make trades looking for more scoring depth or even an experienced veteran point guard to fill out their roster.
The reasons why will they redifine the west
- Golden State’s gamble: Kuminga’s short contract sets up the Warriors for a January market search. A mid-season trade can introduce a veteran star to make them a Western Conference contender.
- Lakers’ desperation: As their core star turns older, Los Angeles cannot wait. A mega-trade can keep them as contenders or slip behind other rivals.
- Fan stakes: Both franchises have massive international fan bases, and therefore, any big deal will front-page news not only in the U.S. but also around the world.
The Warriors and Lakers are still the NBA’s most-wanted brands. While both are planning to make some exceptional moves before the trade deadline, fans are eager to see what these next months will bring.
With Golden State pushing for a championship conquer in a final push or with the Lakers granting full commitment to their superstars, the West could be a whole different entity during playoff time.
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