The Los Angeles Lakers made a big move on Saturday by acquiring Luka Doncic, while the Golden State Warriors completed a trade for Jimmy Butler on Wednesday. However, neither of these players will be playing when the Warriors face the Lakers on Thursday night.
Both teams made these trades before Thursday’s deadline to improve their chances in the Western Conference playoffs. The Lakers traded Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Doncic, while the Warriors sent Andrew Wiggins to the Miami Heat for Butler.
Doncic hasn’t played since Christmas due to a calf injury, but Lakers coach JJ Redick said he might play in one of the next two games, either on Saturday against the Indiana Pacers or on Monday against the Utah Jazz. Doncic participated in a practice session with reserves and coaches on Wednesday. Redick mentioned that they are taking it day by day and hope to have him back soon.
The Butler trade still needs NBA approval. Warriors coach Steve Kerr couldn’t comment on the deal since it wasn’t final, but he expressed how difficult it was to lose Wiggins. Kerr wished the trade deadline could be moved to the All-Star break to ease the timing.
Kerr informed his players about the deal an hour before their game against the Utah Jazz. Along with Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson, and Lindy Waters III were also traded, and Jonathan Kuminga and Marcus Moody were out due to injuries.
Brandin Podziemski, one of the remaining Warriors players, expressed how emotional it was to lose four teammates, but emphasized the importance of stepping up. Podziemski scored a career-high 29 points, just behind Stephen Curry’s 32 points, in the Warriors’ 131-128 loss to the Jazz. Golden State led by 11 points with three minutes left but allowed Utah to finish with a 20-6 run.
The Lakers have won all their matchups against the Warriors this season, including a 118-108 victory in San Francisco on January 25. They are on a three-game winning streak and have won nine of their last 11 games.
In their most recent win, a 122-97 blowout of the Clippers, LeBron James posted 26 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura each contributed 20 points.
The Lakers are reportedly close to acquiring center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish.
