In spite of all the pre-season drama, the Houston Rockets have performed admirably to start the 2021 campaign, going 2-2 in their first four games.

All the while, their star (who requested a trade weeks ago) is continuing to show why he is among the NBA's best players. So far, he's averaging 37 points, 11 assists, and 5.3 rebounds on 52.5% shooting.

For Nick Wright, that performance is the perfect reminder of Harden's value -- which is apparently near what the Lakers gave up for Anthony Davis.

The Lakers were able to get AD back in the summer of 2019 for a pretty sizeable haul of young players that included Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, Lonzo Ball, and three first-round picks.

Even as questions arise about Harden's impact on culture and team chemistry, his performance right now is no doubt raising his stock and value as a player. But will it be enough to convince teams to trade for him? Will it be enough for them to turn over an offer the Rockets are looking for?

That much remains to be seen.