Rockets Need to Trade for Another Star to Help Kevin Durant
The Houston Rockets were eliminated from the playoffs by the Los Angeles Lakers in a 20-point blowout, highlighting their struggles without Kevin Durant on the court. With Durant sidelined for most of the series, questions have arisen about the team's need for a second star to remain competitive. Reports suggest the Rockets could pursue star players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Donovan Mitchell, or Paul George in the offseason.
- ▪The Houston Rockets lost to the Los Angeles Lakers 98-78, ending their playoff run.
- ▪Kevin Durant played in only one game of the series due to injury.
- ▪The Athletic reported that the Rockets are considering trading for star players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Donovan Mitchell, or Paul George.
- ▪Houston shot just 35 percent from the field and 18 percent from three-point range in the elimination game.
- ▪Adding a star player could help Durant and improve the performance of younger Rockets players through better floor spacing and playmaking.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
By Matthew CoudenContributing WriterShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.The Houston Rockets looked capable of defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in their first-round series, but with Kevin Durant a spectator for most of the games, that didn't happen.Houston had a perfect opportunity to force Game 7 if it could have won another game without KD in the lineup on Friday night. However, LeBron James and the Lakers had other plans, wanting a bit more rest before taking on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder.Ultimately, the Lakers dominated the Rockets in a 20-point blowout, eliminating Houston from the postseason.
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