After Brother Davis was injured on December 18, the Lakers suffered a five-game losing streak. Although they defeated the Rockets away on December 29, they lost to the Grizzlies in the back-to-back games. They lost 6 games in the last 7 games, with a record of only 17 wins and 19 losses, ranking 7th in the West. However, their top eight positions in the West are not stable. The Timberwolves, Spurs, Kings and Trail Blazers behind are eyeing them and may replace the Lakers in the top eight at any time.
There is also the Cavaliers in the East in the same situation as the Lakers. The Cleveland Cavaliers, which has emerged this season, have recently suffered consecutive blows. First, the team's main point guard Rubio left the court with an injury not long ago, and was then detected to have a torn cruciate ligament on the left knee, which has been declared reimbursed for the season. Rubio has recently lost to control the backcourt. He has lost to the Pelicans and Wizards in the last two games, with a record of 20 wins and 15 losses, and his ranking has dropped to fifth in the Eastern Conference. Moreover, the Cavaliers currently only have two wins ahead of the Wizards, the Eighth-ranked East, and three wins ahead of the Ninth-ranked East. In the next few games, the Cavaliers will also play against powerful teams such as the Grizzlies and Warriors, so they are likely to fall out of the top eight in the East in the future.
Rubio was injured and reimbursed. In addition, Sexton was also reimbursed for the season due to meniscus tear, and the Cavaliers' backcourt is in a hurry now. It is reported that the Cavaliers have now contacted the Lakers, and the two sides are discussing the deal with veteran Rajon Rondo. The specific trading plan is for the Lakers to send Rondo to the Cavaliers, and the Lakers will get a $1.7 million trade exception and will save $7 million in luxury tax. This deal is undoubtedly a win-win deal for both sides. Due to the existence of Westbrook and James, Rondo has not been reused in the Lakers this season. He averaged only 3.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 16.1 minutes per game, and several data fell to the lowest level in his career. Rondo's joining the Cavaliers will solve the problem of the Cavaliers' backcourt panic, and he will also have more playing time. Rondo has rich playoff experience and can give more guidance to the Cavaliers, which is very helpful for the Cavaliers to enter the playoffs.
And after the Lakers traded Rondo, the team freed up a place. Stanley Johnson, who just signed a 10-day short contract with the Lakers, performed well in his last three games. He scored 7 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist and 1 steal against the Nets, 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal against the Rockets, and 7 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks against the Grizzlies. Although offense is not Johnson's strength, in terms of defense, the spirit of daring to snatch and fight left a deep impression on the fans. After Johnson's 10-day contract expires, the Lakers are likely to sign a formal contract with him. According to the well-known reporter Shams, the deal between the Lakers and the Cavaliers has been basically reached, and it is only the official announcement of both sides. Let's wait and see together!
