This season, when James and Anthony Davis are on the court together, their net efficiency is 3.3. In comparison, Tatum and Jaylen Brown have a net efficiency of 9.7, Mitchell and Garland have 8.9, and Doncic and Irving have 9.7. Judging from the data, James and Davis are still one of the most dominant duos in the NBA today. This leads to a frequently discussed topic: Does the Lakers really need a third star player? Speaking of this, we must mention Reeves. Point One: Data. Since Russell was traded to the Nets, specifically in the last five games against the Kings, Cavaliers, Trail Blazers, Hawks, and Rockets, Reeves has averaged 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 11 assists. Judging solely by the numbers, Reeves has reached the level of a star player. Point Two: Clutch Moments. During the same period, Reeves' shooting percentage in clutch moments is zero. In other words, when he becomes the focal point of the team's offense and receives special attention from opponents, Reeves' ability to make tough shots is still lacking. Based on these two points, Reeves has the potential to become a star, but he still needs time to hone his skills. As for the other Lakers players, such as Christie and Knickert, they are more functional types. In other words, even when they mature, they can only be immediate combatants and are not on par with stars. Considering these two points, at present, if the Lakers want to achieve something, they still need a third star player. More accurately, someone to help alleviate the…

This season, Davis has averaged 3.5 assists from 51.5 passes per game. In terms of assists alone, he ranks ninth among big men. In fact, considering the 7+ assists he has recorded against teams like the Thunder, Kings, and Hawks, it is evident that Davis' playmaking ability has improved this season. Regarding Davis' playmaking, it is important to note: Firstly, efficiency. With an average of 51.5 passes per game, Davis has an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.83. Across the league, this surpasses most perimeter players, including Jaylen Brown (1.67) and Harden (1.66). Secondly, enhancement. This season, 13 Lakers players have received passes from Davis and taken shots, with only Russell, Vincent, and Milton shooting below 40%. To some extent, Davis' passes have an enhancing effect on his teammates' shooting. However, despite the improvements in playmaking compared to previous seasons, there is still a significant gap between Davis and players like Jokic and Sabonis. Of course, the Lakers do not position Davis as a facilitator-type center. What does Davis' improvement in playmaking mean for the Lakers? Firstly, after Russell's departure, Reeves has taken on the majority of the team's organizational responsibilities. Statistically speaking, in the last 7 games, he has averaged 75.2 passes per game, which is a new high in his NBA career and the first time exceeding 60+ passes. On a positive note, from the five games starting against the Warriors and ending against the Rockets, Reeves has recorded double-digit assists in four games, demonstrating his potential to become a dual-guard. Of course, as previously mentioned, given the upward trend…

The Houston Rockets, a battleground of the future and the present What is the Rockets' strategy: to focus on the future or to push for immediate success? This question has become a hot topic among the team and its fans after two consecutive losses. From head coach Ime Udoka's subtle suggestion that no one in the team can step up in critical moments to the continuous rumors about the potential trade of De'Aaron Fox, each piece of news has struck a nerve with Rocket fans. It begs the question: how did this team, which was supposed to make a big comeback, suddenly fall into a state of confusion? Two consecutive losses have exposed the Rockets' vulnerabilities. First, they faced the Minnesota Timberwolves, leading most of the game only to collapse in the fourth quarter; then, against the Miami Heat, they repeated the same mistake, faltering again at a crucial moment. After the game, Udoka candidly admitted, "The team currently lacks someone who can take charge in decisive moments." This statement is straightforward and quite pointed. Interestingly, in the face of offensive struggles, the Rockets' backcourt duo of Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green stood out as particularly "eye-catching." Statistics show that in these two losses, the two combined for nearly 70 attempts but only made 23 shots. In other words, their efficiency with the ball was extremely low, yet they occupied the majority of shooting opportunities. What about the frontcourt player, Alperen Sengun? Despite his hot hand, he took fewer than 40 shots but made 24, a stark contrast that makes…

NBA Regular Season: Thunder Overturn Celtics to Win 15 Consecutive Games, SGA Scores 33 Points and Tatum 26+10 On January 6th, Beijing time, the NBA regular season continued. In today's focus game, the defending champion Celtics visited the Thunder, who had won 14 consecutive games. The Celtics took a 3-point lead at the end of the first quarter and expanded it to a 10-point lead in the second quarter with a score of 30-23. The Thunder narrowed the gap by winning 6 points in the third quarter and took a 12-point lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter with a 24-8 run. The Celtics failed to catch up, and the Thunder eventually defeated the Celtics 105-92 at home. The Thunder has won 15 consecutive games, continuing to break their team record, ranking first in the West with a record of 30 wins and 5 losses; the Celtics' record is now 26 wins and 10 losses, remaining second in the East. Both sides' data:‌ Celtics - Tatum 26 points and 10 rebounds, Jaylen Brown 21 points, Porzingis 19 points and 9 rebounds, White 11 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists, Holiday 2 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, Horford 6 points and 8 rebounds. Thunder - Alexander 33 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists, Jaylen Williams 10 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, Hatten 8 points and 10 rebounds, Wallace 13 points and 3 rebounds, Dort 14 points and 6 rebounds, Wiggins 15 points. Star of the Game: Alexander Alexander played for 37 minutes, shooting 11 of 23, including 3…