December 29, 2020
Before his first season as an NBA head coach began, Stephen Silas’ job was made dramatically tougher with the Houston Rockets.
Russell Westbrook and James Harden both demanded trades, Westbrook got traded, and then Harden showed up late to training camp as he spent time partying in Atlanta and Las Vegas. Silas’ hire was reportedly one of the reasons behind the 2018 MVP’s trade request.
John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Kenyon Martin Jr., Eric Gordon, Chris Clemons, Mason Jones, and Ben McLemore have still not played this season as they adhere to the league’s COVID-19 protocols.
While Silas is still seeking his first head coaching win amid the tumultuous times, he may be starting to win over Harden.
Western Conference preview: Chase of the Lakers in begins
Blazers projected to finish fourth in conference By BRIAN MAHONEY, Associated Press
Published: December 22, 2020, 8:44pm
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4 Photos Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, and forward Anthony Davis wear masks watch their teammates play during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers in Los Angeles, Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong) (Kevin C. Cox/Associated Press) Photo Gallery
LeBron James barely had time to put down his latest trophy before having to start defending it.
It was an extremely short offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers, who won their 17th NBA championship on Oct. 11. That didn’t leave much time for rest and relaxation before getting back to work in advance of their Dec. 22 season opener.
LeBron James barely had time to put down his latest trophy before having to start defending it.
It was an extremely short offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers, who won their 17th NBA championship on Oct. 11. That didn’t leave much time for rest and relaxation before getting back to work in advance of their Dec. 22 season opener.
But it was long enough to load up for a run at a repeat.
Besides signing James and fellow superstar Anthony Davis to contract extensions, the Lakers added Montrezl Harrell and Dennis Schroder, who finished 1-2 last season in voting for the Sixth Man Award. Former Defensive Player of the Year Marc Gasol now mans the middle and Wesley Matthews will be counted on to knock down the open shots created by James, who led the league last season in assists.
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While the Sixers have signaled a willingness to include All-Star guard Ben Simmons in trade packages for Harden, those talks have come nowhere close to a deal, sources said. The Nets are limited by the Rockets interest in their personnel and likely would need a third team to emerge in talks, sources said.
So far, the Rockets steep asking price of young players and draft picks hasn t moved any of their discussions into an advanced stage.
The Rockets are planning to start the season next week with Harden sharing the backcourt with John Wall but are exhibiting a desire to teams that they will move on completing a deal as soon as possible, sources said.
LeBron James barely had time to put down his latest trophy before having to start defending it.
It was an extremely short offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers, who won their 17th NBA championship on Oct. 11. That didnât leave much time for rest and relaxation before getting back to work in advance of their Dec. 22 season opener.
But it was long enough to load up for a run at a repeat.
Besides signing James and fellow superstar Anthony Davis to contract extensions, the Lakers added Montrezl Harrell and Dennis Schroder, who finished 1-2 last season in voting for the Sixth Man Award. Former Defensive Player of the Year Marc Gasol now mans the middle and Wesley Matthews will be counted on to knock down the open shots created by James, who led the league last season in assists.