In a formal and detailed narrative, let us jointly examine the sparkling new star of a basketball feast, whose potential value to the Lakers is self-evident. The date is fixed on January 7th, Beijing time, in a game where a player contributed an astonishing 13 rebounds in just 22 minutes of playing time, with as many as 9 offensive rebounds. This player is undoubtedly the powerful reinforcement that the Lakers have been longing for. Mr. Pelinka, perhaps this is the perfect opportunity for you to act quickly and add a capable assistant to James' championship journey.
Looking back at the Lakers' loss against the Rockets, the uncontrollable rebounding became their unavoidable pain. The opponent took advantage of 18 offensive rebounds and led the Lakers by double digits in rebounding statistics. Even with Anthony Davis, such a top-notch interior player, they could not avoid this embarrassing situation. Fundamentally, the lack of a center position has become the shackle that restrains their progress. Although Davis is talented, playing as a center is not his wish nor his strength. This move not only affects his game efficiency but also increases the risk of injury.
Therefore, the call for the Lakers to strengthen their No. 5 center position is growing louder, which is not only the expectation of fans but also the inner desire of Davis. At this moment, a low-key yet superbly skilled player quietly entered our field of vision. He is De'Andre Sharpe, the 2.06-meter-tall center of the Nets.
Sharpe, who averaged 7.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists this season, has set new career highs in eight major statistics, especially noteworthy is that he averages only 16.8 minutes of playing time. In such limited playing time, Sharpe can still contribute an average of 7+6 data, which is quite remarkable. In the game against the Pacers, Sharpe even grabbed more offensive rebounds than the entire opponent team by himself, while committing only two fouls, such a performance is undoubtedly eye-catching.
In 22 minutes, 16 points and 13 rebounds, Sharpe proved with data that he is exactly the player the Lakers have been dreaming of. After the game, Sharpe also showed extraordinary arrogance and determination, boasting, "As long as the rebound falls, you'd better send someone to keep a close watch on me. Whether you are 2 meters 20 or 2 meters 30 tall, as long as I can't be blocked by you, I will unhesitatingly fight for the offensive rebound above your head. Because I firmly believe that I can defeat any center in this league."
Sharpe's remarks are undoubtedly the best interpretation of his own strength, and it also makes us look forward to the changes and improvements he can bring to the Lakers in the future. It is precisely because of his unique personality traits that the player stands out in the league and achieves a career. As a rookie selected only at the 29th pick in the draft, Sharpe's starting point is undoubtedly relatively low, and he is in a team with poor performance. However, since joining the Nets, he has always maintained tireless efforts and fighting spirit, especially during the days when he fought side by side with Durant, he has absorbed many valuable experiences from this superstar.
In such an environment, Sharpe gradually came to the fore, and his ball skills improved day by day. Especially important is that in today's league, players like Sharpe are particularly precious. He has served alongside three superstars Harden, Irving, and Durant, knowing how to work with top players, willing to take on dirty work, and more proactive in taking on the blue-collar role on defense, showing excellent team spirit and professional qualities. Such an excellent player is rare in today's league.
Compared to those players who rush to ask for big contracts as soon as their data improves slightly, Sharpe appears particularly sober and pragmatic. He can accurately recognize his role positioning and can contribute stable data even as a substitute. If he joins the Lakers, he is fully capable of guaranteeing at least 12 points and 10 rebounds per game in an average of 25 minutes of playing time. Considering that the Nets already have center Claxton, who has signed a 4-year $100 million contract, the Nets are unlikely to forcibly retain the 24-year-old Sharpe. Therefore, for the Lakers, Sharpe is undoubtedly the ideal player they urgently need. General Manager Pelinka decisively recruited him under the annual salary of 4 million, making him assist James and Davis, which is undoubtedly a more wise and efficient choice than spending 20 million to introduce Vucevic.