As the Lakers lose to the Rockets and the Warriors suffer a crushing defeat to the Kings, the competition for the top 4 spots in the West heats up, with the rankings as follows! This seemingly calm regular season is actually filled with undercurrents, with each team fighting their hardest for playoff positions. ▶1. Lakers vs. Rockets, a close battle The Lakers challenged the Rockets away from home, expecting an easy victory, but it unexpectedly turned into a thrilling tug-of-war. The Rockets opened the game with full firepower, leading the Lakers by 18 points at one point in the first half. However, are the Lakers a team that gives up easily? In the third quarter, Anthony Davis dominated the paint, and LeBron James also played a pivotal role, with the Lakers scoring 40 points in a single quarter to reduce the gap to just 2 points. In the final quarter, both sides fought fiercely, with the scores alternating. In the closing moments, the Lakers were only down by 3 points, but James' attempt to call a timeout to set up a tactic was ignored by the referee, allowing Fred VanVleet to seize the opportunity for a crucial steal, helping the Rockets secure the victory. After the game, James expressed strong dissatisfaction with the referee's decision, believing he should have been granted the timeout. In this game, Davis scored 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks, while James contributed 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists. However, the outstanding performances of Jalen Green and Armoni Brooks of the Rockets, who combined…

On January 6th, Beijing time, the NBA regular season continues. With the trade deadline officially approaching, teams in the league are gradually shifting their focus to the trade market to make a final push towards their goals. Among them, Butler of the Heat is undoubtedly the most sought-after player in the trade market so far. Due to an irreconcilable conflict with Riley during the offseason, Butler has repeatedly expressed his intention to leave this season, and even named several Western Conference teams he hopes to join through his agent's mouth. It is precisely because of Butler's arrogance that the Heat management has attributed the team's current situation entirely to Butler's demoralizing influence, and has punished him with a seven-game suspension and salary stoppage, while also completely giving up and being willing to listen to offers for Butler. So how can a trade be made to maximize Butler's value? Anyway, the latter has made it clear that he wants to play anywhere other than Miami, so the initiative lies with the Heat. To this end, the American media "hoopshabit" has provided a constructive 4-for-1 trade idea for the Heat. The specific proposal is as follows: The Rockets can use Dillon + Adams + Little Jabari + first-round pick to trade for Butler. 4-for-1, farewell Butler! An epic trade plan has been unveiled, and the Rockets want to form the strongest four giants luxury lineup to fully compete for the championship. How will other teams compete? To be serious, the Rockets, as one of the favorites to win the championship this season,…

The Houston Rockets have made a bold move by acquiring De'Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings in a 6-for-1 trade. This transaction has sparked discussions among fans about whether it is a gamble or an adventurous move that could lead to a miracle. The Rockets exchanged Fred VanVleet, Whitmore, and Shepherd, along with three valuable first-round picks, totaling six assets for the promising young star. This trade is indeed surprising, especially considering that it includes three future draft picks. Essentially, the Rockets have put a significant portion of their future on the line, betting that this deal will bring immediate success. It's a bold and risky move, akin to a desperate gamble. Is this an opportunity or a ticking time bomb? Let's not rush to conclusions; instead, let's analyze the situation step by step. When discussing Fox, it's undeniable that he is an incredibly fast "dark horse." During his tenure with the Kings, he has been the team's absolute core. Last season in the playoffs, Fox averaged 25 points and 6 assists per game—statistics that not only sustain the team's rhythm but also demonstrate that he is more than just a scorer; he's a leader who can drive the entire team forward. What truly sets Fox apart is his speed, which allows him to catch opponents off guard, particularly in fast breaks and drives to the basket. He's essentially a one-man show, tearing through defenses. Moreover, Fox isn't just a player focused on driving to the hoop. His shooting accuracy is consistently stable, and he's fearless and meticulous in crucial…

New Year, New Beginnings! The Rockets have made a significant change in 2025 that can be described as "closing the barn door after the horse has bolted," as Udoka has started to face reality. VanVleet, with his career-high salary, has delivered his worst performance since his rookie season, which many Rocket fans find unbearable. Udoka claims he doesn't care about social media comments, but he cannot ignore the dissatisfaction from players and management. Despite poor shooting, VanVleet still holds onto the ball, and the label of leadership given by Udoka fails to convince the young players on the team. On the other hand, Stone cannot stand idly by as a mercenary affects the growth of the "Houston Prince." In 2025, Udoka's protégé VanVleet has seen a noticeable decrease in shot attempts, with only 8, 7, and 11 shots respectively. With more ball possession, Jalen Green has scored 22, 27, and 33 points in the last three games. Jalen Green has regained confidence, showcasing his skills against the Celtics and Lakers with drives, mid-range shots, and three-pointers, improving offensive efficiency and defense while significantly reducing turnovers. Jalen Green had only one turnover against the Celtics and zero against the Lakers. Jalen Green once displayed the demeanor of a superstar last season and played well in the first five games this season. However, Udoka still insisted on the basic strategy of pick-and-roll, seeking stability. Although Jalen Green does have technical shortcomings, he is the player with the highest potential on the Rockets. Udoka, in pursuit of stability, could only let Jalen Green…

On January 6th, Beijing time, the game between the Lakers and the Rockets sparked the biggest controversy, which is quite rare. After the game, James, Davis, and Redick, the three giants of the Lakers, teamed up to fiercely criticize the referees and the Rockets team, as they were not willing to accept this loss. James and the Lakers have always been gracious in defeat, but after this game, they could no longer tolerate it. The three superstars criticized the referees together, which is a very rare situation for the Lakers this season. Redick, as the team's coach, was the first to lead the charge against the referees, believing that there was a major controversial call. He said that the foul on Davis' screen was due to a Houston player flopping. At the time, Davis knocked down Houston's Holiday, and Redick claimed that Holiday flopped, questioning the referee's decision. What's more amusing is that after Davis committed the foul on the screen, James actually made the three-pointer. However, because of the early foul, the referees did not count it. The Lakers would have been within one point with that three-pointer, so it's not like they didn't have a chance. But once that play happened, it really was no longer an opportunity. Not only that, but Davis also came out to say that when he knocked down Aaron Holiday, it wasn't his offensive foul; it was the other side flopping. He said that Holiday grabbed his arm and then fell to the ground, making it look like he was pushing someone, but…

The Houston Rockets narrowly defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 119-115 at home, improving their record to 23 wins and 12 losses. This result has helped them maintain a slight lead over the third-placed Memphis Grizzlies, solidifying their position as second in the Western Conference. Over the past five games, which were considered a challenging stretch for the Rockets, they faced tough opponents such as the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, and the Lakers. The Rockets managed to secure two victories and three defeats during this period, which can be seen as an average performance considering they were playing at home. There were several factors that contributed to the Rockets' 2-3 record. Firstly, Ethan was unable to play due to injury, mirroring the career trajectory of Kawhi Leonard. Additionally, Amen Thompson was suspended for two games against the Heat, weakening the Rockets' strongest defensive duo. To make matters worse, Smith suffered a finger fracture during training and is expected to miss between four to eight weeks. Despite these setbacks, the Rockets' 2-3 record is commendable. The Rockets' offense has been inconsistent, but their defense has been impressive. Their defensive strategy left the Lakers struggling to find scoring opportunities. The Rockets' rebounding prowess, ranked among the top two in the league, played a crucial role in their victory over the Lakers, with a significant advantage in offensive rebounds. Amen Thompson's return was a lifeline for the Rockets, as he is a pillar on both ends of the court. Defensively, Amen is the only Rocket capable of guarding LeBron James…

The Houston Rockets narrowly defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 119-115 in a thrilling home game. The Rockets dominated the Lakers in the first half, but the Lakers fought back in the second half. Fortunately, the Rockets managed to hold on in the final moments, securing a hard-fought victory. After the game, the Rockets experienced three joys and one concern. Green, who had been struggling, finally stepped up in the closing moments of the game. He scored crucial points to maintain the lead and finished with an impressive stat line of 33 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block. His newfound defensive intensity was also a pleasant surprise. Adams played a pivotal role as a surprise asset, grabbing 7 offensive rebounds and drawing several fouls while battling for rebounds. His presence in the paint was crucial, and his ability to protect the rim greatly benefited the team. Without him, the Rockets would not have won. Amen's performance was also outstanding. He drew an offensive foul on James at a critical moment, stopping the Lakers' momentum. With 16 rebounds, including 6 offensive rebounds, and a shooting efficiency of 11 out of 19, he demonstrated his versatility on both ends of the court. He has solidified his position as a key player for the Rockets' future. However, Shen Jing's performance was disappointing. He struggled offensively, getting repeatedly blocked by Davis and lacking a reliable shot. Defensively, he was unable to contain the opposition's attacks and had difficulty controlling rebounds. His inability to defend effectively made him a liability on the court. It…

On January 6th, Beijing time, the NBA regular season continued with two strong teams from the West - the Lakers and the Warriors - suffering defeats in their respective games. The Lakers lost at the Rockets' home court, while the Warriors suffered a heavy defeat at home against the Kings. With the conclusion of these two games, the competition for the Western Conference standings has entered a white-hot stage. Below is a detailed review and data analysis of both games. Lakers Lose by 4 Points to Rockets, Key Mistakes Seal Their Fate Game Overview:‌ The Los Angeles Lakers challenged the Houston Rockets on the road, ultimately losing by a narrow margin of 115-119, ending their previous winning streak. Despite Anthony Davis's outstanding personal performance, contributing 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks, the Lakers' overall mistakes and key errors were the main reasons for their eventual loss. Game Progression:‌ The Lakers started off relatively sluggish, with the Rockets quickly establishing a lead through excellent outside shooting. In the first half, the Rockets led the Lakers by nearly 20 points thanks to Jalen Green's outstanding performance. Although the Lakers launched a counterattack in the third quarter, scoring 40 points in a single quarter and once reducing the gap to only 2 points, they failed to seize the opportunity in the crucial final moments. James' offensive foul and Christie's serve error directly caused the Lakers to lose the chance to overtake. Data Highlights:‌ James: 21 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists, a comprehensive performance, but unable to lead the team to reverse the…

The Houston Rockets narrowly defeated the Los Angeles Lakers at home with a final score of 119-115. In this game, Ethan continued to sit out, while Amen Thompson returned from suspension due to an injury that will keep Smith out for at least 4-8 weeks. Thompson was immediately promoted to the starting lineup at the power forward position. The Lakers have been on a good run recently, while the Rockets have only won one game against the Mavericks in their last four home games. They have also experienced comebacks from the Timberwolves and Heat after leading them. Against the Celtics, the Rockets were completely overwhelmed. However, there is a positive sign for the Rockets as Jalen Green's shooting touch has improved. In the previous game against the Celtics, Green was the team's saving grace. Today, he exploded against the Lakers, scoring 18 points in a single quarter with an impressive 8-of-7 shooting. Under Green's leadership, the Rockets led by 14 points in the first quarter. In the second quarter, Amen Thompson continued the momentum, using his 2.03-meter height and physique to aggressively attack Reeves and even call out Hachimura for a one-on-one matchup, leaving the Lakers with no solution as the lead extended to 24 points. But then the Rockets' old problems resurfaced; they struggled to maintain their lead, and their shooting cooled down. The Lakers began to exploit the Rockets' weakness, which was Shen Jing's inability to protect the paint and switch defenses. The Lakers repeatedly attacked Shen Jing, forcing the Rockets to bring in Thompson to assist in…

As the Lakers lose to the Rockets and the Warriors suffer a crushing defeat to the Kings, the competition for the top 4 spots in the West is heating up, with the rankings as follows! James missed a crucial timeout, Davis scored 30 points in vain, and the Warriors lost to the Kings by 30 points! What happened to the sudden change in the Western rankings overnight? This seemingly calm regular season is actually seething with undercurrents, with each team fighting hard for their playoff spots. ▶1. Lakers vs Rockets, a close call The Lakers challenged the Rockets away from home, expecting an easy victory, but it turned into a thrilling tug-of-war. The Rockets opened the game with full firepower, leading the Lakers by 18 points at one point. However, are the Lakers a team that gives up easily? In the third quarter, Davis wreaked havoc inside, and James also played a pivotal role, with the Lakers scoring 40 points in a single quarter, reducing the gap to just 2 points. In the final quarter, both sides went back and forth, with the scores alternating. In the final moments, the Lakers were only 3 points behind, and James tried to call a timeout to set up a tactic, but was ignored by the referee. VanVleet seized the opportunity to make a key steal, helping the Rockets secure the victory. After the game, James expressed strong dissatisfaction with the referee's decision, believing he should have been granted the timeout. In this game, Davis scored 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks,…