The Lakers dig the Warriors corner! Mini middle class fights for Looney, the whereabouts of the champion center become the focus

According to the latest news from Lakers veteran team reporter Anthony F. Irving, the Purple and Gold Army has turned its attention to the Golden State Warriors' meritorious inside player Kevin Looney. Sources revealed that the Lakers plan to use the valuable mini middle class special case in their hands (worth about $5.685 million) to try to sign the experienced center after the free agent market opens.

But the Warriors did not sit idly by. The source made it clear: "If Looney is willing to accept the contract at this price (about $5.685 million), the Warriors will definitely match it without hesitation and leave him in Golden State." This undoubtedly laid the groundwork for this potential battle to grab people. The value behind the data: Looney is not just 4.5 points,

Loney, who is about to become a complete free agent this summer, looks dull this season's basic data: 4.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. But fans who know football understand that his value is far beyond the measurement of paper data.

He is the invisible axis of the Warriors' small ball system operation. His solid cover quality, keen rebounding sense (especially offensive rebounding battles) and reliable under-the-scene defense, and is an indispensable "bodyguard" around Curry. When Green topped the fifth, Looney's tonnage and confrontation were the key barrier for the Warriors to deal with the tall inside. Imagine his strong cover wall blocking space for Curry, or a three-man struggling to grab the frontcourt rebounds by one person at the basket - this is the most familiar Looney to Golden State fans.

Why did the Lakers fall in love with Looney? The mini middle class is a double-edged sword

For the Lakers who are determined to continue to strive for the championship around James and Mei, players like Looney are very attractive:

In-depth demand for the inside line: reliable centers need to share the pressure, Hayes has not yet fully proved himself.

Champion experience: Looney has experienced the Warriors' many championship journeys and is familiar with the intensity of the playoffs and locker room culture.

adapted to the James and Eyebrow system: He does not need a lot of ball rights, focuses on screens, rebounds and defense, perfectly fits the team's core playing style.

Using the Mini Middle-class Special Example to pursue Looney shows the Lakers' determination to strengthen the inside. This exception allows the team to sign people if they exceed the salary cap, but the amount is limited (about 5.685 million), which is usually used to pursue powerful role players. The Lakers' move is to regard Looney as an important puzzle for championships.

The Warriors are firm in their attitude: the right price must be kept for merits

The Warriors' speeches are clear and powerful. They knew the value of Looney. As long as Looney accepts this middle-class offer, the Warriors will match it immediately. This is not only a recognition of the eight-year-old minister, but also a realistic consideration based on lineup needs - the loss of Looney, the Warriors' already fragile inside rotation will make it worse. The core of the Looney battle has quietly transformed into his personal choice:

is to accept a middle-class contract that may be slightly lower than expected, stay in the familiar Warriors system, and continue to assist Curry in chasing the fifth championship?

Or should I switch to the Lakers, embrace new challenges and the spotlight in Los Angeles, and become the key blue-collar worker around Zhan Dong?

This 28-year-old "old bull" in the inside line, his simple but crucial stadium contribution has become the focus of the game between the two giant teams in the free agent market this summer. As the opening date of the free market is approaching, Looney's choice has touched the nerves of both Golden State and Los Angeles.