Trail Blazers Announce! Defensive Center from Second Team Demoted! Yang Hansen Records Back-to-Back 1+1+1

Trail Blazers vs. Lakers.

In the first and second quarters, Yang Hansen, playing back-to-back NBA games for the first time in his career, was on the court.Playing 7 minutes and 22 seconds marked a career high, but his offense was sluggish, shooting 0-for-3, including 0-for-2 from three-point range, and 1-for-2 from the free-throw line, scoring 1 point and grabbing 1 rebound.During this time, a standout moment was using a "Gortat screen" to help a teammate score an uncontested basket.

NBA regular-season games are definitely more challenging than preseason and summer league matches.

In the garbage time of the final quarter, Yang Hansen was given another chance to play. He finished the game with about 8 minutes on the court, matching his stats from the first half. The Trail Blazers defeated the Lakers 122-108.

Three Trail Blazers players scored over 20 points: Avdija with 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists; Holiday with 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists; Grant with 22 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals; Klingen had a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds (7 offensive boards).

On the Lakers’ side, Ayton scored 16 points with 8 rebounds (5 offensive boards), 2 assists, and 2 steals against his former team. Reeves exploded for 41 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.

It must be said,Reeves is truly impressive, combining for 92 points, 15 rebounds, and 14 assists in back-to-back games.In these two games where he carried the team as the sole star, he perfectly showcased his individual talent, which might completely convince the Lakers’ management to offer him a max contract extension next summer, potentially up to five years and $246.7 million.

If the Lakers don’t offer it, there are plenty of teams willing to sign Reeves with a big contract next summer, with the highest offer around four years and $183 million. Another possibility is that he could be traded mid-season. Either way, the Lakers definitely do not want to lose him for nothing.

According to statistics, Reeves has played four games this season, scoring a total of 143 points, tying with Alexander for the league’s top scorer. He is undoubtedly the strongest undrafted player in NBA history.

Lastly, a quick mention,The Trail Blazers have already assigned Larry Nance Jr. (2021-22 All-Defensive Second Team) to the G League to regain form and prepare for a comeback.Compared to Klingen, this guy is actually Yang Hansen’s biggest competitor on the team.

Actually, if the Trail Blazers really send Yang Hansen to the G League for development, it’s not a bad thing. The intensity of NBA regular-season games is currently too much for him to handle, so it’s better to take steady steps forward.