What's up with the Rockets?
Houston built their team this season to have as much room for their young players to find their game and they definitely accomplished that. They have been young this season, and not much anything else.
JALEN GREEN 😤?? pic.twitter.com/8jyr1tMAdV
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 1, 2023
Jalen Green's sophomore season has been a mixed bag. He has upped his scoring from 17 points per game last season to more than 22 this season. Other than that, Green hasn’t taken the leap anywhere else. He still shoots at around 40 percent from the field on even higher volume than last season. He still only averages around four assists and two turnovers per game.
This was always going to be the case for Green. He was drafted in 2021 as a 19-year old with all the raw tools of a future All-Star scorer. The details of being a superstar – the playmaking, shot selection, leadership – were all going to need time to develop.
Kevin Porter Jr., like Green, has put up great results this season, considering the type of contract the Rockets have him signed to. The Rockets inked the former late first round pick to a four-year extension in the offseason, which kicks in next season. After the first year of the deal, the next two years are non-guaranteed with the final year being a club option.
This was a necessary safety net for a once troubled player off the court. Even with that volatility considered, Porter Jr’s performance this season should have Rockets fans encouraged. He’s averaging 19 points, five points, and five assists this season and looks like a solid lead guard for the future. He and Green have some growing pains to work out, but again, they have time.
Other than this pair, the Rockets have nothing but potential up and down their roster. Jabari Smith Jr. has found his range recently. Alperen Sengun looks like a juiced up Luis Scola. Don’t let the 19-59 record fool you. This is a dangerous bunch.
What’s up with the Lakers?
If anyone knows how dangerous the Rockets can be, it’s the LA Lakers. Just two weeks ago, the Lakers dropped a crucial game against the Rockets. This time, the Lakers are coming to Houston prepared.
Absolutely
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 1, 2023
Dominant pic.twitter.com/RZVW44lVVj
This last few weeks have been crucial for the Lakers as they continue to wade through the murky middle of the Western Conference. They enter tomorrow at eighth place witha 39-38 record. They’re just one game behind the sixth seed and a sure spot in the playoffs.
This situation has brought out the best in Anthony Davis. He just hung 38 points and 17 boards on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Over his last seven games, AD is torching teams for 28 points on 60 percent shooting with around 11 boards and two blocks.
LeBron James is also going to play in his fourth game since returning from a foot injury. He hasn’t quite gotten back into his groove, but the league’s all-time leading scorer has given the team a boost.
This team went from a mismatch of three superstars supported by an aging core back to a duo of superstars with a young curtain of role players around, just like their 2020 championship run. The Lakers are a scary matchup for teams on top of the standings, and they know they have a shot at a few upsets this season.
Where to watch
You can watch the game live on NBA League Pass tomorrow at 7 AM.
