The Lakers challenged the Rockets away, and the Lakers didn't know if they were tired of playing the Warriors in the last game in double overtime, or if they just couldn't do it. In the face of the young Rockets, the Lakers were blown up in the frontcourt, unable to defend on the defensive end, and encountered strong defense on the offensive end, losing by 18 points at halftime and 24 points at the end of the third quarter. If it weren't for the Lakers rushing in the last quarter, the game would have been spent a long time ago.
The Lakers' defense in this game is really indescribable, playing joint defense, and there are always many players on the court "standing on the pile". For example, in the last quarter, Jalen Green broke through after receiving a pass from Shen Jing outside the three-point line, and Christie, who was responsible for defending Green, was left behind.
In this game, Reeves is targeted on the defensive end every day, Jalen Green, Dillon, Whitmore and even Tate, whoever catches Reeves will play resolutely with bright eyes, and the key efficiency is still very high.
In other words, against the Lakers, the Rockets have 3 players who are full of motivation.
Last summer, the U.S. men's basketball team chose Reaves and gave up Jalen Green, which probably made Jalen Green riveted every time he faced Reaves. Needless to say, Dillon's feud with James in last season's playoffs will continue.
Rookie Whitmore was drafted by the Rockets with the 18th pick, and the Lakers drafted Schifino with the 17th pick. Whitmore has become an important part of the Rockets' rotation, and this game was so brave that Schifino could only play a little in garbage time.
In this game, Jalen Green played an All-Star level performance, shooting 14 of 23, 4 of 10 three-pointers, and 6 of 6 free throws, scoring 34 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Dillon shot 7-of-12 and scored 17 points efficiently. Whitmore played 18 minutes and finished with 20 points and six rebounds on 7-of-12 shooting, 2-of-6 three-pointers and 4-of-6 free throws.
Reaves' performance in this game was that he was targeted on the defensive end, and he couldn't shoot in the open position on the offensive end, shooting 3-of-8 from the field and 1-of-3 from three-point range, and only got 8 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists.
Of course, Reeves was targeted on the defensive end, and not just this game. Since last summer's World Cup, Reaves has been targeted defensively.
Last season, Reeves just played, and probably the opponent didn't pay much attention to him, didn't do enough research, and wasn't targeted much. Since the reputation has been out, there is naturally more attention, and the weaknesses will be more targeted by opponents.
Reaves has the advantage of attacking with the ball, playing more steadily, has a high basketball IQ, and is good at using tempo changes to attack opponents. The shortcomings are also obvious, poor physical fitness, average athleticism, and although the defense is active, it really can't be prevented.
On the one hand, Reeves' ability to handle the ball, and on the other hand, the value for money of the contract. Let Reaves In the eyes of Lakers management, Reaves, who spent $56 million for four years last summer, was "not for sale."
Lakers reporter Jovan Buha recently said on the show about the trade: The Lakers have no interest in trading Reaves. Unless Reaves can be traded for a definite All-Star, there are only players like Markkanen on the market today. It's not a realistic option for the Lakers either.
The problem with the Lakers' lineup is that among the role players, there is no offense, and there is no offense.
As we all know, the Lakers who want to trade tips are now asking Russell all over the league, and the players they fancy include Murray of the Hawks, Finney Smith and Royce O'Neale of the Nets, Tyus Jones of the Wizards, Caruso of the Bulls, etc.
It's just that Russell, who signed a two-year $37 million contract extension with the Lakers last summer, has a player option next summer, and he has always pulled his hips in the face of strong teams, and he is not the player that other teams want, and most teams want Reaves more.
The Lakers' current primary target is Murray, and if they get Murray, the Lakers' backcourt offensive and defensive strength can be improved a lot. The key point of the Lakers' trade with the Hawks is that the Hawks don't want Russell and want Reaves, and the Lakers don't want Reaves.
In the current Lakers lineup, James and thick eyebrows are "not for sale", and the highest trade value is Reaves. But Rivers is reluctant to do so, and wants to exchange for Murray?
The trade deadline is February 9, Beijing time, and if the Lakers continue the second half of the season with this lineup, it will be a playoff team at most, right?
I really don't want to trade Reeves, let's let him go back to the bench, two defensive holes in the backcourt, and a thick eyebrow can't be filled at all.