Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell, left, drives past Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, in Los Angeles. Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul, left, and teammate guard Stephen Curry talk during a timeout in the second half in a preseason NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023.
“He obviously plays a certain way, I play a certain way and there’s kind of a challenge there of I’ll lead a certain part of the workout, he’ll lead a certain part of the workout, kind of sharpen the tool kit that way,” Curry said. “It’s really good right now in terms of the pace that we’re trying to go and the work that we’re trying to put in, the accountability to take advantage of training camp. We’re doing it together.
Durant and the Suns will have something to say about the Warriors’ title hopes — as will LeBron James and the Lakers, along with those upstart Sacramento Kings.Coach Steve Kerr also has enjoyed watching the relationship between Draymond Green and Paul develop, even with Green sidelined by an ankle injury early.
Andrew Wiggins finding some continuity again will be key after he missed significant time for injuries, illness and personal reasons last season and played just 37 games in the regular season.The Suns have undergone a dramatic transformation under new owner Mat Ishbia, overhauling the roster in an attempt to bring its first championship since the franchise was founded in 1968.
As a result, they appear to have their most talented roster since their championship season in 2020. General manager Rob Pelinka re-signed Davis, Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt while adding veterans Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish and Christian Wood. The mix is deep, balanced and versatile, but the health of James and Davis will determine whether LA is a contender for its 18th title in coach Darvin Ham’s second year.