NBA: I am the card dealer

The focus battle between the Nuggets and Lakers was broadcast live on TNT.

Before the game even starts.

Ernie Johnson sighed repeatedly: "I didn't expect the Lakers to rush to the edge of the playoffs so quickly. It's really incredible."

Barkley also sincerely lamented: "When Xue came back, the Lakers were still ranked third from the bottom in the Western Conference. They felt extremely far away from the playoffs. Now, in just one month, they have seen the threshold of the playoffs. This proves that , Xue Liancheng’s personal ability is indeed the best in the league."

O'Neal: "This is just your personal feeling. I think it is fairest to use data, because data cannot lie. Before Xue Liancheng came back, the Lakers' record was a pitiful 13 wins and 26 losses. Xue Liancheng played 11 games after his comeback. , 8 wins and 3 losses, with a winning rate of 72.7%, leading the team to a record of 21 wins and 29 losses. In addition, the Lakers' scoring average has also skyrocketed. Before Xue Liancheng's comeback, the Lakers averaged less than 117 per game, and Xue Liancheng was blocked. After returning, the Lakers' scoring average has reached +. With such terrifying offensive firepower, it is difficult not to win."

Ernie Johnson: "Such a span of improvement is enough to prove how important Xue Liancheng is to the Lakers. Xue Liancheng seems to have a magnetic field and a system of his own. Everyone can quickly revolve around him. As long as the Lakers reach the playoffs." game, then they will be the fear of all teams."

Barkley: "So this game is very important. If they win, they will be able to enter the playoffs. If they lose, it will be a huge blow to the team's morale."

O'Neal: "In fact, the Nuggets are also very surprising this season. It is not an exaggeration to say that they are dark horses, especially Jokic. This big fat guy is very cute, but has solid basic skills, soft shooting touch, and excellent passing vision. There are many things in the future. A chance to become an All-Star level center."

Barkley: "Let me tell you something interesting. Xue Liancheng and Jokic were both second-round picks in 14. I am very confused about what the teams in front are thinking."

O'Neal: "The results of looking only at speed, jumping, explosiveness, and athletic ability. NBA scouts have always followed this standard, so they have become a legacy."

Ernie Johnson: "If the draft is rearranged now, a lot of people will regret it."

O'Neal suddenly became interested: "Well, let's talk about it. If the draft is rearranged, who will be in the top ten in 14?"

Barkley: "There is no suspense about the first place. Xue Liancheng, who is extremely dominant, is the first. The second is undoubtedly Wiggins. He has grown to a quasi-All-Star level, but the Timberwolves' record has suffered."

Ernie Johnson: "The third place is more difficult to choose. Randle has great potential, LaVine is not bad either, and Jabari Parker is also improving rapidly. They all have the foundation to become All-Stars."

O'Neal: "Don't forget Embiid. Although he has been injured for two years, he has played countless minutes this season. His performance is very dominant. If he can stay healthy, he will definitely be the league's top insider."

Barkley: "And Jokic we just talked about. This fat guy has a very high basketball IQ and is also an All-Star."

Ernie Johnson: "In addition, Capela has risen this season, averaging 12+8 per game, and has excellent rim protection. His growth is very important for the Rockets to get to where they are today, and with Marvin Williams. With James leaving, Aaron Gordon got a chance, averaging 12+ per game this season and gradually growing up."

O'Neal: "There are also some young guys who impressed me, such as Gary Harrison, Hood, Clarkson, TJ Warren, Vonleh, etc., all of whom have performed very well and can look forward to the future."

Barkley: "Looking at it this way, the level of rookies in 14 is very high! There are five or six All-Star-level prospects, as well as superstar Xue Liancheng, and there are a lot of high-quality role players. It is a solid draft. New Year.”

O'Neal laughed: "No matter what other teams are like, the Lakers are definitely the big winners."

Currently in the Lakers, Xue Liancheng, Randle, and Clarkson are all rookies in 14. Aren't they the big winners?

Xue Liancheng's personal ability has been verified, and he is currently a solid face of the alliance. Needless to say, his influence and appeal are astonishing.

Randle has exploded this season, averaging 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, with an overall shooting percentage of 52.2%. He has comprehensive skills and unlimited passion. He is currently the Lakers' third player.

And according to Randall's momentum, it is almost foreseeable to become an All-Star in the future.

Especially after Xue Liancheng's comeback, Randall's performance was very stable, often performing well, and he could cooperate with Xue Liancheng at the end.

He can also rely on his containment to constantly share the ball and provide many assists to his teammates.

With Xue Liancheng's return, Clarkson lost the right to fire, and his scoring data dropped a bit.

However, his personal offensive ability is very strong. Not only can he serve as Xue Liancheng's substitute, he can also move to the shooting guard, partnering with George as one of the two engines, constantly attacking the basket, and the effect is not bad.

and so.

Overall, Clarkson is still an important part of the Lakers.

But it can only be one ring.

With Xue Liancheng's return, Clarkson has completely lost the possibility of becoming the core.

Or to be more precise, with Xue Liancheng joining the Lakers, Clarkson has lost the possibility of growing into an All-Star, and the All-Star door has been closed for Clarkson.

of course.

The main reason is that Clarkson is excellent in chaotic fighting, but he is still far behind in technical fighting, and he has not shown the potential to become an All-Star.

Otherwise, the Lakers will still train him.

After all, Xue Liancheng is not unable to play without the ball.

And as the three people's conversation came to an end.

The game also officially started.

During the appearance ceremony, Randall did not come out, and James Johnson came out instead.

O'Neal was surprised: "Randall is absent. This is a big trouble."

Barkley: "Randall's role is very obvious. His absence will definitely have a big impact on the Lakers. In such a critical game, it can be described as huge bad news."

In fact, this is indeed the case.

Although James Johnson, who replaced Randall, has very good personal abilities and his body looks very strong, there is no way to compare with Randall in terms of athletic ability, explosive power, or impact.

As the No. 14 pick in 6, Randall's foundation is definitely not bad, and his physical talent is also relatively outstanding.

Although he is not at the level of an apex predator, he is still much better than ordinary players.

This is also the reason why Randall can adapt to Xue Liancheng.

What Xue Liancheng likes is the kind of player partner who can jump, have excellent athletic ability, amazing explosive power, and top physical fitness and physical talent.

Wade is like this, and so is Oladipo. Their speed, impact, and explosiveness are all the best in the shooting guard position.

And Randall is here, with excellent speed, impact, explosive power, and athletic ability, and he is second to none among the forwards.

Whether it's a pick-and-roll with Xue Liancheng or an attack from the side, the effect is surprisingly good.

Xue Liancheng's high pass is suitable for a player with such an excellent body.