LeBron Says Lakers Need Deadline Move; Leonard Scores 24 in Return; Green Rejoins Suns
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Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James acknowledged on Sunday that the team should consider a trade before the Feb. 8 deadline, answering “Yeah, I do,” when asked whether roster help is necessary.
Lakers
James declined to elaborate, explaining that public speculation would be unfair to current teammates. “It’s disrespectful to these guys if I start talking over the deadline. I’m trying not to play fantasy basketball too much,” he said, according to the Los Angeles Times. The Lakers are 11-13 since opening the season 15-4, a slide that has amplified external pressure to add talent.
Clippers
Across the hallway at Crypto.com Arena, Kawhi Leonard returned from a three-game absence and poured in 24 points in 26 minutes during the Clippers’ victory over the Lakers. Head coach Tyronn Lue praised the immediate impact: “I thought he looked really good, especially to start the game in that first quarter. He had good pop.” Leonard is still building stamina, but the opening burst encouraged the staff.
Suns
The Phoenix Suns welcomed guard Jalen Green back to the lineup after a prolonged hamstring injury. Interim coach Jordan Ott said the 21-year-old’s return has already lifted team spirits: “His joy is back,” Ott noted, pointing to Green’s speed and downhill attacks as catalysts for the offense. Phoenix believes the energy swing is palpable with Green back on the floor.
Source: Hoops Wire
