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sports Thursday 10 February 2022
With NBA trade deadline looming, Nets, Lakers weigh options

By BRIAN MAHONEY
AP Basketball Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Kevin
Durant still can't play, Kyrie
Irving still can only play part
of the time and the Brook-
lyn Nets have tumbled
down the standings.
With the NBA trade dead-
line looming, James Harden
has dominated headlines.
LeBron James and Anthony
Davis have battled injuries
and the Los Angeles Lakers
have been inconsistent all
season.
In L.A., it's Russell Westbrook
in the news.
Now the expected NBA
Finals contenders who in-
stead may be play-in round
bound, face a decision be-
fore Thursday's deadline:
Stand pat with the belief
that all they need to save
them is the rosters they al-
ready have, or make a
move?
"I've always felt like, listen, I
don't really like to play fan-
tasy basketball. So this is the
group that we have go- Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden, left, and guard Kyrie Irving watch from the bench during the second half of an NBA basketball
ing into the deadline, then game against the Phoenix Suns, Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, in Phoenix.
we'll be ready to take on all Associated Press
challenges that this season
has given us," James said. Western Conference play- straight loss. So my mind and attention Lowry to Miami but the
"If there is an opportunity — off spot in the old format, They are 2-10 since Durant is on this group and putting veteran point guard hasn't
I've said this every year — if but instead occupied 10th sprained his left knee, an this thing together as guys been playing for the Rap-
there is an opportunity for and was trending upward. injury that could keep him become healthy again tors. Indiana's trade of Ca-
you to get better, then you The Trail Blazers had al- out until after the All-Star and trying to build it for the ris LeVert to Cleveland fol-
explore those options." ready dealt Norman Pow- break. With Irving ineligible stretch run." lowed by the deal with the
One of those opportunities ell and Robert Covington to play in home games be- The Nets may believe that Kings could prove a willing-
ends Thursday afternoon. to the Clippers, who hold cause he is not vaccinated Durant, Harden and Irving ness by the Pacers to keep
Some teams have already that eighth spot but would against COVID-19 as man- are good enough to lead dealing.
taken advantage, with be dangerous no mat- dated by New York City, them to a title no matter The Cavs were thrilled to
the Cleveland Cavaliers, ter where they are if Paul it's placed a heavy burden where they are seeded, add LeVert, who the Pacers
Los Angeles Clippers and George and Kawhi Leon- on Harden. He has missed and that may be true. had acquired last January
New Orleans Pelicans mak- ard can return from injuries the last three games with But they have played so in the multiteam trade that
ing trades that could help later this season. left hamstring tightness and few games together in landed Harden in Brooklyn.
them make playoff pushes. Even the Sacramento seemed frustrated before- more than a year since The Nets haven't turned
Of those teams, only the Kings, who fired coach hand. Harden was acquired that into the powerhouse that
surprising Cavaliers are in Luke Walton and were 15 Harden can become a free simply relying on their su- was expected, leaving the
what would normally be games under .500, were agent after the season and perstars' availability is a risk. East race wide open with-
a good playoff position at still only a couple games there have been reports Same with the Lakers, who out a clear-cut favorite.
this point in the season. But out of a play-in spot when the Nets, instead of risk- won a title in 2020. But with That could leave plenty
with coronavirus pauses they agreed to a deal with ing losing him for nothing, James missing 17 games of teams thinking like the
unsettling some teams ear- Indiana to have two-time could trade him to Philadel- and Davis 21 this season, Cavs, who recognized the
lier in the season and the All-Star Domantas Sabonis phia in a package for Ben they are under .500 through time to make a run could
play-in keeping hopes alive packing his bags for Cali- Simmons, who has sat out 55 games. be now.
for later, teams that may fornia. all season. But coach Steve Westbrook has been "I'm sure when the season
otherwise have considered The teams in seventh Nash said Sunday that the benched at the end of started guys never thought
themselves out of conten- through 10th place in each Nets wouldn't trade the All- some games, but it's hard about this or having a
tion may still believe they're conference qualify for the Star guard. for the Lakers to know if championship mentality or
in the running. play-in, giving themselves Nash said Tuesday he didn't their roster makeup is their mindset," said Rajon Rondo,
That seemed to be the case an opportunity to win their expect a different version problem when they've had a two-time NBA champion.
in New Orleans, where the way into the postseason. of the Nets after Thursday. so few chances to see it. "But now it's time to flip the
Pelicans acquired CJ Mc- The Nets were never ex- "Honestly, I think we'll be ex- Even if those big names switch and understand we
Collum from Portland on pected to be there. actly the same," he said. "I aren't dealt, there could want some respect and
Tuesday to strengthen a Yet they have fallen to think the chances of trades still be reliable players avail- that we will have to go get
team that would have en- eighth in the East after or deals happening before able. it in the playoffs, but never-
tered the day five games falling 126-91 to Boston the deadline are so slim, Toronto acquired Goran theless we can compete
out of the eighth and final on Tuesday for their ninth especially for our group. Dragic when it lost Kyle with anyone."q