The Blazers have been too tough this season, according to media reports, Lillard has successfully undergone abdominal tendon surgery, and Lillard's next step is to face a long recovery time. Lillard said he will stay away from social media next and he will show good form after his comeback. Arguably, the Blazers are likely to miss out on the playoffs this season. According to the probability of each team entering the playoffs given by the US media, the Blazers only have a 13.8% probability of entering the playoffs. However, the probability of the Lakers entering the playoffs this season is not high, only 46.1%, less than 50%. For the Blazers, continuing to retain the roster this season may not be necessary. Before the trade deadline, the Blazers will most likely face a big change of lineup.
Previously, the US media broke the news of the Lakers' 3-for-1 trade Powell plan, the Lakers sent Tucker Jr., Nunn and the 27-year first-round draft pick, from the Blazers trade to get the third giant Powell. The US media pointed out that Powell's technical characteristics are very suitable for the Lakers, and he can help James rush to the championship. The US media analyzed the deal from the perspective of two teams:
For the Blazers, whose team faces a rebuild this season, guard Anfine Simmons has performed well and Powell, who holds a five-year, $90 million contract, doesn't seem to have to stay on. In the Blazers, Powell's strength is the existence of the third big, but he is not a top star like Lillard, and once there is a suitable trade, he can choose to send it away. Powell himself has made his mind clear, and he is open to trading. Tucker Jr., sent by the Lakers, has an arm span advantage, and he can defend multiple positions on the defensive end to improve the Blazers' defensive level. This season, the Blazers' defense is almost at the bottom of the league, and the team urgently needs to improve the quality of defense.
For the Lakers, James and Westbrook both need the ball, and Tucker Jr. looks like a redundant player in the Lakers. Tucker Jr. is good at using his body to attack the basket, but his three-point shooting ability is too poor to open up offensive space for James and Westbrook. Powell is a wing player who can play without the ball, has three-point shooting ability, and can also use the empty cut to score. It can be said that Powell's technical characteristics are very suitable for pairing with James. In addition, Powell's scoring ability is also good. The Lakers currently don't have a particularly stable scoring point except for James and Munch, and this deal can give James a helping hand on the offensive end.