Since the game against the Nuggets, the Clippers have achieved the league's first record of 8 wins and 2 losses during the same period. The "spaceship" seems to be on the right track.
The helmsman of the Clippers can be defined as James Harden.
one, data. During the same period, Harden converted 8.6 assists every 56.3 passes. In terms of personal offense, he averaged 10.7 shots per game and posted a true shooting percentage of 68.5%.
Second, importance. When Harden is on the court, the Clippers' net efficiency is 16.4, and the value when he is not on the court is -11.4. The difference of 27.8 well illustrates the importance of Harden - the team wins when he is on the court and loses when he is off the court.
Based on the above two points, Harden also effectively drove the team while playing excellent data. In short, it feels like an MVP season.
When Harden and the Clippers get better and better, it is definitely not good news for the Lakers.
Reason: Competitiveness.
Originally, the Lakers' biggest rival in the West was the Nuggets, but now they have another Clippers. Moreover, when Harden gradually releases the organizational pressure of Leonard and Paul George, the Lakers may no longer have the upper hand in terms of strength.
Of course, looking at it from another angle, the integration of Harden and the Clippers is also a good thing for the Lakers - it will accelerate the latter's need for a third star. To be precise, once the three giants are successfully integrated, their combat power will definitely be better than that of the two giants. What's good for the Lakers is:
One of them, Russell. There is no denying that Russell cannot fight a tough battle, but his 1+1 average salary of 18.5 million in his contract, coupled with his 15+5 immediate combat capability, means that he still has a certain transaction value.
Second, rebuild. As the schedule progresses, teams including the Hornets, Bulls, Trail Blazers and other teams may have the possibility of rebuilding. Plus the Jazz, Pistons and other rebuilding teams. Therefore, the Lakers still have many candidates for the third star.
Based on this, the Lakers can set their sights on Jeremy Grant, and I think they are very hopeful to get this Trail Blazers star.
Reason one: contract. Grant still has a five-year contract of 160 million, while Russell is 1+1. To put it simply, the latter will free up salary space next summer.
Reason two: chips. As a 20+ star, it is impossible for the Lakers to trade Russell for him. In other words, the first round and other chips will also be given out as a supplement.
Space and chips are very attractive for rebuilding the team. Furthermore, we cannot ignore Grant.
Compared with the Trail Blazers, the Lakers are definitely more attractive: with a big contract, winning the championship is the primary goal at this stage. The Lakers have the potential to win the championship with James.
In summary, whether it is the Trail Blazers or Grant, the Lakers have something that can impress each other. What's more, after seeing the success of Harden and the Clippers, the Lakers will also increase their chips to promote the success of the transaction.
Finally, I would like to thank Harden for assisting the Lakers in forming the Big Three again. Of course, I also wish Russell good luck, regardless of whether he is eventually traded by the Lakers.
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