In their first game after Star Weekend, the Lakers gave fans a hearty victory. They beat the Warriors 124-111 at home for a two-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the Blazers, Pelicans, Warriors, and Thunder are all losing, while the Lakers have closed the gap with previous teams. They are currently just 1.5 wins away from the play-off zone. Seeing the strong posture of the Lakers in this game, many people even believe that the Lakers will win in the end. They finish straight into the top 6 in the West and don't need to rely on the playoffs to get a spot.
It's not surprising to have such an idea, because after the big trade, the current Lakers are completely new and even a little strange compared to before. Let's look at a few sets of data: According to statistics, in the last two games, the Lakers defeated the Pelicans by 18 points and the Warriors by 13 points, totaling 31 points against opponents, averaging 15.5 points per game. Meanwhile, the last time the Lakers beat their opponents by double digits before the trade deadline was against the Hawks on Jan. 7, where the Lakers led by more points in the four games after the trade deadline. More than 13 points in 2 games. Finally, after the trade, the Lakers won three of their last four games, with the only loss being a three-point explosion between Lillard and the Blazers.
For a long time, James and Bushy Brow even had to cut 40 points to barely help the team win. Some games have been played for more than 40 minutes, and they still can't win the scene? Who would have thought James and Bushy Brow would still be able to lie down and win this season. According to statistics, 13 points is James' lowest single game this season. At the same time, he played less than 30 minutes in two consecutive games. In all 44 games he has played before the season, he has played more than 30 minutes. Speaking after the game about playing less than 30 minutes with James in the new line-up, he said: "It's very critical, especially at the end of the season.
As James's good brother, Thick Eyebrows knows better than anyone that James' current playing time and pace of play are reasonable. After all, James is 38 years old. Let him play 38 or even 40 minutes per game, completely out of control. But now, the new lineup gives James and Bushy Brow a respite. All this is really thanks to Pelinka's actions before the trading deadline. Many fans said that the Lakers' counterattack should thank Wei Shao for leaving, but in fact, the most important thing to thank is not Wei Shao, but Pelinka.
The Lakers can be reborn, and the departure of Wei Shao is indeed a very important factor. His departure not only allows the Lakers to force themselves to give him playing time every game, but more importantly, his 47 million contract can be directly converted into important combat power, but how to convert is Pelinka's credit . For now, Pelinka sent Wilson in exchange for Russell, Vanderbilt, Beasley. It was definitely a perfect stroke. Russell can hold the ball, organize and attack. An upgraded version of Wei Shao; Vanderbilt complemented the Lakers' frontcourt depth and defense, while Beasley brought the three-point firepower the Lakers dreamed of. The game's seven three-pointers made Lakers fans addicted to watching. He opened up a court space that the Lakers had never had before.
It can be said that Wei Shao has been exchanged for 3 top combat powers, which perfectly complements every part they need to strengthen. This tested Pelinka's vision and negotiating skills. No wonder many people are now questioning that trading Wilson was not Pelinka's idea, but a stupid decision made by Jenny Bass. After the game, even Lakers coach Hamm couldn't help but say that the deal increased their room for error in the game. In exchange for Wei Shao, the Lakers experienced a year-and-a-half-long nightmare. Now the nightmare is over. Even if the Lakers can't win this season, they are looking forward to it next season. Of course, there is no need to blame Wei Shao. He had a good attitude during his time with the Lakers, but he really didn't fit incompatible. Now that the two sides are separated, maybe they can play a new world.