Beijing time on January 5, in a NAB regular season game that ended today, the Lakers defeated the Kings 122-114, winning 3 consecutive wins, this game Lakers coach Vogel made a change of position before the game, the original starting forward from Tucker to Ariza, although this choice did not successfully activate Ariza, but let Tucker play a better performance, return to the second lineup Tucker has more ball rights, play more resolutely and confidently, the whole game is substituted for 33 minutes, 13 shots 9, 3-pointers 2 shots 1, 1 shot, 1 shot, On 0-of-1 free throw, he had 19 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals.
There is no doubt that this is almost tucker's last month, or even one of the best games of the season, after the game the Lakers also gave Tucker enough praise, talking about the recovery of G's state, James said: "This is phenomenal, so rewarding, seeing Tarren return to himself, it feels great." His ability to score, his ability to burst inside to finish, his shooting ability, we've always missed that. I know he misses him too, but just let Taron be himself and keep being himself, and tonight, he is. We need all the contributions he brings to us. ”
No wonder James started like this, he has always liked Tucker as a young man, this season the Lakers also once had high hopes for Tucker, but after playing a few good games again, Tucker's performance began to plummet, offensive efficiency, poor defense, quite a bit of high and low meaning, many fans even mocked the Lakers chose to keep him instead of Caruso, is simply one of the most stupid decisions.
Tucker said that despite the recent performances, tucker has never lost confidence in himself: "I feel like I've never lost confidence, I feel like I've come to this point, I try to treat the game the same way, even when the shot is not hit, it's to continue to work on this basis." For the Lakers, Tucker's outburst came at the right time, because the Lakers could take the opportunity to package him up and trade him.
Obviously, although Tucker played well in this game, but considering his ups and downs so far in the season, and the Lakers need a strong forward line more, using him as a chip to trade reinforcements is far more beneficial than leaving him, according to esplan reporter Brian Windhort broke the news in the show, the Lakers can use Tucker and Nunn, plus draft picks to win the Pistons' Grant.
Brian Windhort said at the time: "The Lakers are interested in Grant, and the Pistons are rebuilding, and I think the Pistons will listen to an offer about Grant. If you want to get a player like Grant, you may have to pay Horton Tucker, the 2027 first round and Kendrick Nine, would the Lakers consider such a deal? It really can help the team a lot. ”
So far this season, Tucker's performance is not too good, he is not indispensable to the Lakers, as for Nunn, although he is indeed talented, there are also highly anticipated abilities, but now the Lakers guard players are too many, plus Munch has gradually entered a good situation, the Lakers do not need Nunn very much, in contrast, Grant is definitely a front player that the Lakers need very much, he is young enough, the defense is strong, and the offense is good, So far this season, he has averaged 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, and if the Lakers can get him, they can basically return to the championship favorites immediately.
Therefore, if there is a chance, the Lakers should consider not whether they should give up Tucker, but how to really impress the hearts of the Pistons, and Tucker broke out at this time, if he can continue to play a good performance, maybe the Lakers can get Grant, can go further.