The Warriors’ rumoured signing of Buddy Hield also dealt a humiliating blow to a division opponent interested in adding the sharpshooting guard.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Anthony Slater, and Mike Vorkunov, Hield ultimately chose Golden State over the Los Angeles Lakers because he believes the Warriors provide a greater chance to win.

The Warriors acquired Hield from the Philadelphia 76ers in a sign-and-trade that returned one of Golden State’s second-round draft selections gained from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Klay Thomspon.

With both Golden State and Los Angeles attempting to rebuild their squads after disappointing 2023-24 seasons, the Warriors gained an advantage over the Lakers in the Hield sweepstakes.

While Golden State is far from its status as an NBA superpower, Hield’s vote of confidence in the Warriors’ ability to compete moving forward is an encouraging affirmation as the post-Big Three era begins in the Bay Area.

After signing veteran forward Kyle Anderson and two-way guard De’Anthony Melton, Golden State’s arrow is pointing upward, with the Warriors hoping to capitalise on Steph Curry’s remaining years.

With the signing of Hield, Golden State now has two of the NBA’s most lethal 3-point shooters, a combination that has resulted in plenty of success for the Warriors over the last decade.

In addition to his reputation as a lights-out shooter, Hield, 31, brings incredible durability to the Bay Area, having missed only five games in his eight-year NBA career.

For the time being, Hield’s decision to leave the Lakers in favour of the Warriors gives at the very least fuel for friendly banter between the two fanbases as the prestigious organisations try to reclaim NBA prominence in a loaded Western Conference.