Dubs in-depth: Who wins between a healthy Warriors team and the Lakers next season?

Injuries robbed us of what could have been an epic Pacific Division battle between the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and L.A. Clippers. We knew Klay Thompson was out for the 2019-20 season after tearing his ACL in Game of the 2019 NBA Finals, and then Steph Curry broke his hand early in the season.

The NBA hasn’t set a start date for next season, but with Thompson, Curry and Draymond Green healthy, the Dubs should be among the title contenders in 2021. General manager Bob Myers still has to put the finishing touches on the roster, but one NBA Insider says he would bet on Golden State to take out the Lakers because of the championship core.

NBC Sports’ Tom Haberstroh thinks the Warriors would beat the Lakers in a playoff series, assuming everyone is healthy.

“If Klay Thompson is fully healthy, as in he is pre-ACL injury healthy, and not just getting back on to the floor and able to play, I’m going to go with the Golden State Warriors.

Because their big three, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry are better than the big three of Anthony Davis, LeBron James and fill in the blank there.

In terms of the core, [the Warriors] fit better next to each other. We already know they won 73 games without Kevin Durant, so there is a track record in the regular season, obviously, they won a couple titles together in the postseason.”

I agree with Haberstroh that the Dubs have more high-end talent with the three stars. Rob Pelinka brought in several veteran role players who fit seamlessly next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Myers can follow a similar blueprint this offseason and try to sign or trade for some reinforcements for the bench.

Andre Wiggins is better than any Laker not named James or Davis. With the second pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, Golden State will add another piece that can come in and contribute right away.

One thing that has been noticeable throughout the playoffs is how big L.A. is. The Lakers have had the size advantage in each of their series, so that is something Myers will need to address this offseason.

Do you agree with Haberstroh that the Warriors will be better than the Lakers in 2021?

On to some links:

Speaking of the Warriors and Lakers, Klay’s father, Mychal, weighs in on Golden State’s title chances next season. He also added an update on how Klay is doing. (NBC Bay Area)

The Dubs’ title odds should come down as we get closer to the start of next season. Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale thinks it’s too soon to consider the Warriors as a title contender in 2021.

The Houston Rockets played Golden State closely in the 2018 playoffs before switching their system up this year. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr says he would never consider going small like the Rockets did this past season. (Slam)

Anthony Edwards remains an enigma going into the 2020 NBA Draft. Fansided’s Tony Pesta looks at how the Georgia guard could fit with the Dubs.