Lakers and Warriors Expected to Shake Up the NBA Before Trade Deadline

The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are once again at the center of NBA trade buzz, with insiders suggesting both franchises are preparing for moves that could reshape the balance of power in the Western Conference. While the February 2026 trade deadline is still months away, the early noise signals that big roster changes might be on the horizon.

Warriors Positioned for a Major Midseason Trade

Golden State’s offseason was relatively quiet, but it seems to have been part of a calculated strategy. According to an ESPN insider poll, the Warriors were voted the team most likely to complete a significant trade before the deadline. They received seven votes, putting them at the top of the league in that category.

One telling move was their handling of Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency. Instead of locking the young forward down with a long-term contract, the Warriors signed him to a one-year, $45 million deal. Analysts believe this was a deliberate decision, keeping flexibility for a potential blockbuster trade. Kuminga’s contract now becomes a prime trade chip for January.

With Stephen Curry still performing at an MVP level and the Warriors determined to maximize the last years of their championship window, expectations are high that the franchise will seek an impact player who can fuel another title run.

Lakers Waiting for the Right Opportunity

The Lakers were not far behind the Warriors in ESPN’s poll, ranking among the top teams predicted to make a major move before the deadline. The arrival of Luka Dončić has given Los Angeles a new face of the franchise after parting ways with Anthony Davis, but the team is still searching for the right piece to become true contenders again.

The front office has been patient, holding onto valuable first-round picks in anticipation of the perfect trade. With LeBron James nearing the end of his playing career, time is running out for the Lakers to capitalize on their current roster. Analysts suggest Los Angeles could target additional scoring depth or an experienced veteran point guard to balance their lineup and push them back toward the NBA Finals.

Why These Moves Could Redefine the West

• Golden State’s gamble: Kuminga’s short contract provides flexibility for a midseason deal. Adding a veteran star could solidify their status as championship contenders.
• Lakers’ urgency: With LeBron aging and Doncic now leading, Los Angeles knows one wrong move could derail their contention hopes. A mega-trade could be the difference between Finals glory and fading behind Western rivals.
• Global impact: Both the Lakers and Warriors have massive international fan bases. Any blockbuster deal involving either team will dominate headlines worldwide, not just in the U.S.

The Bigger Picture

The Warriors and Lakers remain two of the NBA’s most powerful brands. With Golden State chasing one last championship run under Curry and the Lakers building a new identity around Dončić while honoring LeBron’s twilight years, the upcoming trade deadline could be one of the most dramatic in recent memory.

For fans, the anticipation is already building. Whether it’s a Warriors’ splash to fuel dynasty dreams or a Lakers’ gamble to restore Finals hopes, one thing is clear: the Western Conference could look very different by the time the playoffs arrive.