Ty Lawson says he'll help Houston get over the hump

Ty Lawson is thrilled about being traded to the second-seeded Houston Rockets.

"I was like before I even came to the team I was talking to James (Harden)," Lawson told Fox News 26's Marc Berman. "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's tenure with the Denver Nuggets came to an abrupt end when he picked up a second DUI arrest in the span of six months.

The Rockets are confident Lawson can get the help he needs, and while the Nuggets wished him well, Nuggets president Stan Kroenke said Lawson's personal issues persisted throughout his six seasons in Denver.

Personal issues aside, the Rockets saw Lawson as a playmaker who could ease the burden on Harden and Dwight Howard, and for the menial package they sent to Denver, the Rockets took a low-risk flyer on a player who could boost their offense.

Lawson believes he can do just that.

"I feel like last year watching the playoffs, they definitely need another playmaker," Lawson said. "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."

Playmaking is definitely one of Lawson's strengths. The speedy floor general created an average of 30.6 points per 48 minutes through his assists last season, a mark that ranked third in the NBA.

And in terms of ball-handling, the Rockets were lacking in that department.

Granted, Lawson still has to overcome his personal burdens before he can focus on helping the Rockets, but that's not holding back his optimism for the season ahead.

"I'm about winning," Lawson said. "I love being on a winning team. At every level I've played at, high school, middle school, college I won championships.

"This is a chance to play for one of those and get an NBA ring. I'm ready for it."