D’Angelo Russell, guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, had a strong regular season but has struggled in the postseason, particularly in the first-round series against the Denver Nuggets. He missed a significant number of shots during Game 1, and the Lakers went on to lose Games 2 and 3 as well. In a concerning moment during Game 3, Russell was seen sitting on the bench sideways while his teammates huddled, leading to questions about his commitment and engagement in the game. Despite his poor performance, Lakers coach Darvin Ham expressed his continued faith in Russell, citing his contributions throughout the season.
During Game 3 against the Nuggets, fans at the Lakers’ arena expressed their frustration with Russell’s performance as he missed all seven of his shots from the field and ended the night with zero points. However, while struggling on offense, Russell did contribute on the defensive end with three rebounds and a blocked shot. This disappointing showing reminded many of Russell’s struggles against the Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference finals, where he again faced difficulties on the offensive end. Despite this, the Lakers are standing by their All-Star point guard and believe in his ability to bounce back.
The Lakers have now lost seven consecutive playoff games to the Nuggets, putting them on the brink of elimination in the first-round series. The team will need a strong performance from Russell and the rest of the roster in Game 4 to extend their postseason run. The Nuggets, led by two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, present a tough challenge for the Lakers, but they are determined to fight until the end. Lakers coach Darvin Ham emphasized Russell’s importance to the team, acknowledging that his missed shots in Game 3 were not reflective of his usual performance and contributions.
As the Lakers prepare to face the Nuggets in Game 4, they are focusing on regrouping and rallying together as a team. It is crucial for Russell to rediscover his scoring touch and help lead the Lakers to a much-needed victory to stay alive in the playoff series. The team is looking to learn from their recent struggles against the Nuggets and make the necessary adjustments to turn the series around. With their backs against the wall, the Lakers must find a way to overcome the odds and come together to compete at their highest level in Game 4 and beyond.
Fans can continue to follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage for updates on the Lakers’ playoff journey and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter for the latest news and analysis. The upcoming Game 4 between the Lakers and the Nuggets will be a crucial test for Russell and the team as they look to avoid elimination and keep their playoff hopes alive. Despite their recent setbacks, the Lakers remain determined to fight for a comeback and show resilience in the face of adversity.
