NBA regular season is in full swing, and the performance of two teams is difficult to satisfy at this stage. Nets currently falls to the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a record of 1 win and 5 losses. The Nets' defense is bad, averaging 122.2 points per game, ranking 29th in the league, limiting the opponent's shooting percentage by 47.5%, ranking 21st in the league, limiting the opponent's three-point shooting percentage by 43.8%, ranking last in the league, conceding 117.8 points per game, ranking 29th in the league. And in the West, despite defeating the tired Nuggets, the record is 1 win or 5 losses. Although we know that the Lakers have a bad start, the responsibility is not all about Westbrook . The injuries of Thick Eyebrow and the difficulty in restoring their peak offensive and defensive state are also the reasons.
In addition, the Lakers' outside lineup structure has no threat in shooting, seriously squeezing the Lakers' offensive space. Due to the lack of shooters, Westbrook has always been unable to play the game he wants after joining the Lakers, and he has lost confidence in shooting. Data shows that Westbrook's shooting poses very limited threat and lacks stability on the offensive end, which leads to the defensive players often adopting short-dive tactics when facing Westbrook. For example, Westbrook's interference rate during jump shots is only 41.2%. What is this? Every 10 jump shots in Westbrook's shooting rate is large open. Even so, Westbrook's shooting percentage is 30.9% and a three-point shooting percentage is 12.5%. Therefore, exchanging Westbrook for an outside shooter is the only choice for the Lakers at the moment!
Recently, US media "TR" updated Westbrook's trading progress in a report. The article stated that multiple sources revealed that the Lakers' management is working hard to carry out Westbrook's trading, and the Lakers have been with Hornets , Pacers , Jazz and Spurs The four teams have had preliminary contact. Among these four teams, the Jazz and Pacers are trading plans like the Lakers asking for at least two first-round picks. The Pacers are willing to send Turner and Hilder to reinforcing potential star Benedit Matherin, who averaged 19.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists in the new season, and scored 32 points against the Nets and became famous in one game. The Jazz hope that the Lakers will send two first-round picks and Nunn, so as to send all veterans including Conley, Clarkson and Kelly Olynick away! However, the Lakers management still tends to give a first-round pick in the transaction.
. In the discussion with the Hornets, the Lakers made new progress. The Hornets only need the Lakers to send a first-round pick to reach a deal with the Lakers. However, there are differences on another detail between the two sides. According to people familiar with the matter, the Hornets tend to use Rozier + Hayward to exchange for Westbrook + 2027 first-round pick + second-round pick Christie, but the Lakers are thinking of replacing Rozier with PJ-Washington + Oubre , plus Hayward, but the Hornets show no sign of letting go at the moment. Hayward has played in good form this season, averaging 20 points per game, shooting percentage as high as 51.8%, 3 points, and 3-point shooting percentage. Obviously, if you exchange a few players with real combat power in the first round, you will undoubtedly make a profit!
In addition, during the discussion between the Lakers and the Spurs, the Lakers expressed their sincerity and were willing to give out two first-round picks. However, Pelinka was a little lost. He wanted the Spurs to put the 22-year-old high-quality defender Vassel into the trade, and eventually formed a potential trading plan with Westbrook + two first-round picks + several marginal players, and obtained Vassel + McDermott + Richardson + Pelter from the Spurs. Although the Spurs recognize that the Lakers' two unprotected first-round picks have high value, it is almost impossible to send Wassel away. The Spurs have lost a new star Primo. They cannot send Wassel away, who performed well. This season, Wassel can average 19.8 points, 5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, and his three-point shooting percentage is as high as 39%. After Detaizhang Murray left the team, Vassel seized the opportunity in time. The latter was already a rising star, and the Spurs would definitely not let Vassel go.
The reason why the Lakers want Vassel is also clear. Winning at the moment, they need a strong defender with independent scoring ability and three-point ability. The 22-year-old Vassel has strength and vitality. In terms of the future, the Lakers will have no draft picks and no new stars to cultivate in the next few years. If they fail to win the championship, James will leave, and the Lakers will fall into darkness in the next few seasons. This is why they want a talented defender. Regardless of the result, I hope the Lakers will reach Westbrook's deal as soon as possible so that the Lakers can return to the right path as soon as possible.
