New Houston Rockets point guard Ty Lawson is happy with his new team also believing that he is the missing piece the franchise needs to reach farther in the postseason.
Lawson has been rumored to be leaving the Denver Nuggets early in the offseason and last July, he was acquired by Houston together with a future pick in exchange for four players.
The final year in the 27-year-old's contract was also adjusted as part of the trade deal.
Now that he is with Houston, Lawson told Fox 26 Houston that even before joining the Rockets, he already asked to be traded and thought he was the missing piece.
"I was like before I even came to the team I was talking to James. I was like 'man get me over there.' I'll be that piece to (help) get over the hump. It's definitely a breath of fresh air," Lawson said.
Lawson added that after watching last season's playoffs, he saw how the Rockets needed another "playmaker" since Harden was doing it all and he wants to be that guy.
"You could tell James got a little bit tired. He had to come down and score and make passes every time on the court. So I just want to relieve a little bit of pressure for him the best way I can," he said.
The Rockets lost main point guard Patrick Beverley late last season because of a wrist injury. They still made it to the Western Conference Finals although they lost to eventual champions the Golden State Warriors.
Before leaving Denver, Lawson was battling issues off the court, including troubles with alcohol; but still the Rockets pursued the deal with Harden believing that he can overcome them.
Lawson is just thankful to be with the Rockets and playing for head coach Kevin McHale, saying, "It means a lot, they believe that much in my game. It means a lot that he feels that way about me."
