On December 31, Beijing time, due to the impact of the epidemic, the NBA is now facing huge difficulties. After the Warriors, Nets and Lakers, it's now the turn of the Lone Rangers, who currently have a total of eight people triggering health and safety agreements, in addition to Thomas Jr., but also: Doncic, Burke, Knight, Majanovic, Kleber, Hardaway Jr. and McLaughlin, and the Clippers' side Zubac is also quarantined. In addition to the above news, there are several messages worth paying attention to, the author has made a simple summary for everyone, summarized as follows: Rondo was traded! James was injured again, the Lakers were on the door, and Chalmers returned to the NBA.
Rondo was traded
According to Shams, the Cavaliers and Lakers are close to completing the Rondo deal, which may be officially announced as soon as Friday local time (This Saturday, Beijing time). Shams reported that Rondo would join the Cavaliers as soon as the health and safety agreement was lifted. So far this season, Rondo has played a total of 18 games for the Lakers, in the last three games, he has not been given playing time, Rondo can average 3.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, rubio after injury, the Cavaliers urgently need a veteran point guard, Rondo's ability is not as good as Rubio, but he can alleviate the need for the moment.
On the other hand, the Lakers are now heavily manned, Rondo can't get playing time, and for him and the Lakers, staying in Los Angeles doesn't seem to make sense. NBA salary expert Bobby Marks said that because Rondo signed a one-year veteran base salary contract, there is no need to match the salary to reach a deal. The deal could free up a roster for the Lakers. According to a previous analysis by payroll expert Yossi Gozlan, the deal could save the Lakers $7 million in luxury taxes and get a $1.7 million deal exception.
James was injured again
Yesterday, James appeared in 38 minutes on 13-of-25 shooting, 8-of-14 from three-point range, 3-of-3 from the free throw line, and 37 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. According to statistics, in the past 6 games, James has scored a total of 209 points, 63 rebounds and 39 assists, but the Lakers only got 1 win. James reached 30+ in six consecutive games, the longest personal record since February 2013 (7 consecutive 30+). Since December, James has had 30+ 9 times, tied for third place in his personal single-month 30+ games list.
In the last 16 games, James has played no less than 34 minutes, three of which have been above 40 minutes and 10 of which have been more than 37 minutes. Today, a number of Lakers reporters reported on the team's latest injury, tomorrow's game with the Blazers, Ariza and Bradley are in doubt (50% of the time), James (rectus abs strain) has a high probability of playing (75% of the possibility of playing). James may play with injuries, but this season, he has been injured many times, and for a 37-year-old veteran, such a risk is high, and the coach needs to compress James' playing time.
The Lakers are double happy at the door
First of all, according to the Lakers, Reeves, who previously triggered the health and safety agreement, has lifted the quarantine and will be able to play against the Blazers tomorrow. Reeves is the Lakers' defensive tip and a shooter who has played a three-point shooter in the game, scoring 5.8 points this season and shooting 39.0% from three-point range. His return will attract the attention of defenders and make the breakthroughs of Westbrook and James more lethal. The second good news, Bazemore also lifted the isolation, Bazemore's offense is not good, but his defensive effect is good, which is where the Lakers' shortcomings lie.
The comeback of the two Wizards will provide more options for the Lakers' lineup, Tucker Jr. has not been in very good form recently, And Reeves and Bazemore can take over the role of the former very well, depending on whether the coach gives him a chance.
Chalmers returns to the NBA
According to Shams, sources revealed that the Heat will use the hardship exception to sign a 10-day contract with guard Mario Chalmers. Chalmers is 35 years old and has won two championships with the Heat (11-12, 12-13), the last time he played in the NBA was in the 2017-18 season. In his NBA career, Chalmers averaged 26.3 minutes per game and could get 9.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.47 steals. Chalmers hasn't played in years and his form will be a big problem, and in the Heat he's a surpriser on the court, with good three-pointers and defensive ability.
In response, heat star Wade tweeted: "This is great! The champions are back! @Chalmers! "Chalmers will sign a short 10-day contract with the Heat, and whether he can stay in the team depends on his performance on the court.