NBA news: LeBron James made Lakers make trade, Kawhi Leonard revelation, Jimmy Butler rant
NBA news is coming in thick and fast and Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the latest rumours and gossip.
Colin Cowherd claims LeBron could ask Lakers to trade Ingram
LeBron James trade decision
LeBron James called in a favour to bring Tyson Chandler to the Los Angeles Lakers, Bleacher Report say.
The Phoenix Suns bought out Chandler’s contract, meaning the center was free to join the Lakers.
And Bleacher Report reckon Suns vice president of basketball operations James Jones - a former team-mate of James - helped out his old pal.
"They could have bought him out at the trade deadline and gotten great leadership and mentoring for two-thirds of the season," an NBA executive said. "But LeBron wanted him now."
Kawhi Leonard speaks out
Kawhi Leonard says the Toronto Raptors are yet to hit peak form.
"We have a lot of potential, I think we can still get better - this isn't our ceiling," Leonard said of the Raptors, who are 11-1.
"With me not even knowing some of the offence, we have Kyle (Lowry) in the game most of the time and he's controlling the ball and most of the tempo.
"I feel like once I start learning the offence I could even give him a little break and let him get some easier shots even though he's playing well."
Clippers may be 'kryptonite' for LeBron James says expert
Jimmy Butler rant
Jimmy Butler has hit out at his Minnesota Timberwolves team-mates.
“To know that we were that close and all we got to do is rebound the basketball,” Butler said after their defeat against the Lakers.
“That’s been the story for us thus far, we have been right there, we’ve been out rebounded.
“We have to figure out a way to go get the ball.”
NBA schedule:
Toronto Raptors vs New York Knicks
LA Clippers vs Milwaukee Bucks
New Orleans Pelicans vs Phoenix Suns
Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Miami Heat vs Washington Wizards
Memphis Grizzlies vs Philadelphia 76ers
San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets
Golden State Warriors vs Brooklyn Nets
Dallas Mavericks vs Oklahoma City Thunder
Sacramento Kings vs LA Lakers
Detroit Pistons vs Charlotte Hornets