NBA Trade News: Insider blasts LeBron James-led Lakers and Steph Curry-led Warriors for 'cowardice' as deadline nears

The clock is ticking for the LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors to strengthen their rosters ahead of the trade deadline. With superstars LeBron James and Steph Curry leading their teams, both franchises face pressure to make impactful moves to enhance their chances of contending for another championship.

Lakers insider Anthony F. Irwin didn’t hold back his frustration with both teams, criticizing their reluctance to fully commit to a win-now approach. Irwin’s annoyance intensified after the Phoenix Suns made a strategic move on Tuesday, trading their 2031 unprotected first-round pick to the Utah Jazz for three first-round picks, signaling their intent to make a major acquisition.

The Suns appear focused on capitalizing on the prime years of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, aggressively securing assets to pull off a blockbuster trade. In contrast, Irwin expressed bewilderment at the Lakers and Warriors’ lack of urgency, questioning why they aren’t going all-in to maximize the championship windows with LeBron and Curry still on their rosters.

"I’d one zillion percent rather see my team do what Phoenix is doing, chasing a title window with KD/Booker, than the cowardice we’re seeing from Golden State and the Lakers," Irwin tweeted.

LeBron James and Steph Curry may be in the twilight of their careers, but they continue to perform at an elite level. With the right supporting cast, both players have the potential to lead their teams on deep playoff runs, thanks to their unparalleled pedigree and experience.

However, the front offices of both the Lakers and the Warriors face a difficult dilemma: should they go all-in by trading young stars and valuable assets to make a significant move, or take a more cautious approach with smaller adjustments to preserve their future?

Both franchises have made modest moves during the current trade window. The Lakers traded D'Angelo Russell to acquire Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets, while the Warriors added Dennis Schroder via trade.

Unfortunately, these moves have done little to significantly impact either team’s trajectory. As things stand, neither the Lakers nor the Warriors appear to be serious title contenders in their current form.

Fans react to insider criticizing Lakers and Warriors

Social media erupted after Anthony F. Irwin criticized the Lakers and Golden State Warriors for failing to follow the aggressive approach taken by the Phoenix Suns.

"The Suns never won a title. They should be chasing one indeed. Not the Lakers/Warriors." a fan commented.

"I doubt Rob even knew this type of trade was possible," commented another fan.

"What the Lakers and Warriors are doing make way more sense. Tanking the future of your franchise to, hopefully, go out in the 2nd rd is poor asset management," a fan said.

"Bro the lakers and dubs are seeing whats happening in phoenix and are like, naa we’re good lmao," a user wrote.

The LeBron James-led Lakers currently sit in sixth place in the Western Conference standings with a 23-18 record through 41 games. Meanwhile, the Steph Curry-led Warriors are outside the play-in picture, holding the 11th spot with a 21-21 record through 42 games.