Pacific Notes: Powell, Russell, Lakers, Durant, Huerter

The Hair clippers' Replacement for Paul George seems to be Norman Powell until the start of the 2024/25 season, writes The Athletic's Law Murray. In a recent win over George's Sixers, Powell hit six three-pointers en route to 26 points.

Powell has never averaged more than 19.0 points per game during the 2024-25 season and has 25.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists on a .516/.494/.861 shooting line so far achieved.

“I always imagined being in this position and having the opportunity“Powell said on Wednesday evening. “Learning from my time in Toronto with Kyle (Lowry) and DeMar (DeRozan), learning from Dame (Lillard) and CJ (McCollum), learning from PG and Kawhi (Leonard). Being around these top people in the summer and getting play and knowledge from them. Competing against them, fighting and just wanting that.”

Powell was acquired by the Clippers from the Trail Blazers at the 2022 trade deadline and is in the fourth year of a five-year, $90 million contract he signed with Portland. He's due for $19.2 million this season and $20.5 million next year.

Powell, who finished fourth in Sixth Man of the Year voting in each of his two full seasons in Los Angeles, averaged 15.3 points on 10.9 shot attempts per game during that span. Entering this season, he averaged 17.4 field goal attempts per game following George's departure.

“I saw it as addition by subtraction,Powell said at Clippers media day about George's departure. “I was excited. I think what I've said at this media day every year since I've been here is that I want to be the starting XI and the opportunity is in front of me. I have prepared myself. I always saw myself as a starter in this league. I feel like I put in the work. I feel like when I start the numbers will reveal themselves and what the result will be. I am therefore looking forward to taking on this role and the pressure that comes with it. The good, the bad and the ugly.”

In a related article, Janis Carr of The Orange County Register describes Powell's pursuit of perfection. Powell recorded his first career double-double on Friday with 31 points and 12 rebounds.

“I have my own mentality and approach to the game, like no matter what role I play, nothing really changes. I've said it several times:said Powell. “I have high expectations for myself. I always see myself as a starter, a top player in the league who can come out and help any team win, no matter where I am.”

We have more from the Pacific Division:

• As we announced on Friday, Cam Reddish took D'Angelo Russell's place in the Lakers' from five. Russell was moved to the bench last season when the team also began losing, but his connection to then-coach Darvin Ham suffered, writes Dave McMenamin on ESPN. This time with JJ Redick As the team's coach, Russell approaches the situation with a different mentality. “I left all of that, all of my baggage at the door this summer when we changed coaches and new staff came in.” Russell said. “I stood up for whatever was necessary. You all see that now.”
• The Lakers They are expected to be active on the trade market after a 5-4 start with a 24th-ranked defense, Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report reports. Fischer calls Milwaukee's Brook Lopez and Washington's Jonas Valanciunas as two targets on LA's “internal board,” with Russell potentially available on departing salary.
• The Suns unleash Kevin Durant by allowing him to hug the coach Mike BudenholzerPHNX Sports' Gerald Bourguet is PHNX Sports' three-point-heavy approach. Durant helped lead the Suns to an 8-1 record to start the year, averaging 27.6 PPG on .553/.429/.836 shooting. He also averages 5.0 points per game in crucial minutes, making 63.2% of his field goals in those situations.
• While Durant's star power drives that Sunsthey get another boost Royce O'Nealeis the piece, writes Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. O'Neale is shooting 52.6% from three so far this season and is the first player to come off the bench. Rankin writes that he looks like an early candidate for Sixth Man of the Year. O'Neale signed a four-year contract last offseason.
• Kings guard Kevin Huerter He missed two games last week due to illness and FOX40's Sean Cunningham tweets that he's still feeling the effects upon his return. Huerter is averaging 10.4 PPG for the Kings and has played in two games since returning to the team.