On top of that, the Lakers can swap first-round picks in 2026 and 2028 and trade or swap their selection in 2029, 2030, and 2031, which makes taking the bait a bit more palatable for the Warriors, who will inevitably have to rebuild at some point.

That joy Steph Curry plays with, that has made him one of the game’s most infectious superstars, has been absent lately, at least from his seat at the podium inside the Bill King Interview Room.