“I am maniacal, it’s all I care about” - Joe Lacob says he wants to keep winning titles, names Dr. Jerry Buss as his inspiration
The Golden State Warriors have had great success since Joe Lacob and a group of investors purchased the franchise in 2010. They have won seven NBA titles, the third-most in the league, behind only the 17 of the Boston Celtics and the LA Lakers.
Four of the Warriors’ championships have come within an eight-year span, and they could add to their haul in the next few years. Behind Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and a bunch of rising stars, Lacob anticipates an extended run atop the NBA.
On an episode of "Point Forward," the Golden State Warriors CEO revealed his inspiration and plan for sustained success:
“The truth of the matter is I am about only one thing for the rest of my life. And that’s winning and winning championships. I am maniacal. It’s all I care about. That’s it!
“We’ve done really well. We’ve won four in eight years, which is incredible. Made six finals in 12 years, which, by the way, there was another one who did this as an owner, Jerry Buss. I look up to him. 33 years of ownership, 16 Finals. So that 50% rate ... I don't know if we can continue that, but I'm sure as hell gonna try. That's my goal."
Appearing in the NBA Finals in six of the last 12 years is no easy feat. Winning four titles in eight years is even more difficult.
The Boston Celtics, the Warriors’ opponents in the recently concluded NBA Finals, last lifted the Larry O’Brien trophy in 2008.
Golden State also became the first team since the LA Lakers in 2009 and 2010 to to win back-to-back championships, doing so in 2017 and 2018.
The scary thing about the Golden State Warriors is that they are built to win now and in the foreseeable future. Steph Curry looks better than ever, while a healthy Klay Thompson could play even better than last season. Draymond Green, who struggled badly in the first four games of the NBA Finals, could also bounce back.
Joe Lacob's vow to win now and in the future is epitomized by the development of a young, blue-chip supporting cast.
Joe Lacob could sanction a move for Kevin Durant
Joe Lacob’s “maniacal” desire to win as many championships as he can with the Golden State Warriors could push them to acquire Kevin Durant.
NBA writer Marc J. Spears originally opened up about the possibility of the Bay Area team reuniting KD with Steph Curry.
Golden State could include Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and James Wiseman in a package for Durant.
Getting KD would make the Warriors overwhelming favorites to win probably two or three of the next NBA championships.
Curry reportedly called Durant about a potential return to the Bay, while his acquisition has been "discussed" by the team.
However, the Golden State Warriors have already won two titles without the Brooklyn Nets forward. Trading for him now would severely compromise their future.
Regardless of what direction Joe Lacob will go in the offseason, winning championships and sustaining success will always be on his agenda.