Lakers Send Strong Message On Benching D’Angelo Russell After Game 1 Loss

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the series against the Denver Nuggets with great plans and it didn’t go well. The Lakers lost Game 1 and some players struggled more than others. D’Angelo Russell was brilliant in the regular season, but we didn’t see any of it in the first game of the series. Russell wasn’t much of a factor last postseason and fans fear that he may be inefficient again. Will Darvin Ham bench him again?

In 41 minutes of action, Russell delivered 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. He went 6-of-20 from the field and 1-of-9 from beyond the arc. Russell wasn’t great, but Ham wouldn’t bench him at this point.

“DLo is a huge reason why we’re here in the first place,” Ham said after Game 1. “I’m not gonna bail out on my player just because he’s missing the shots he normally makes.”

Russell got honest about his struggles in Lakers Game 1 loss

The talented veteran had some issues ahead of the trade deadline, but his performance improved in the last couple of months. He showed brilliant performance each night and was definitely viewed as a valuable trade asset. His value increased, but last night’s struggle was definitely a punch in the throat. It’s important to note that Russell was well aware of his struggles. He knows he wasn’t good.

D'Angelo Russell: "Great looks. I can't be mad. I don't recall the last time I got twenty shots. So for me to get twenty good looks — not twenty 'good,' probably five or six of them were questionable. I know what I'm capable of. Honestly, I'm excited. I'm excited about that."…

— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvo_) April 21, 2024

“I mean, I can’t be mad,” Russell said of his performance in Game 1. “I don’t recall the last time I got 20 shots. So for me to get 20 good looks — not 20 ‘good,’ probably five or six of them were questionable. I know what I’m capable of. So, honestly, I’m excited. I’m excited about that.

“I just feel like sometimes the ball just don’t fall. I was locked in on the details and the little things just to try to stay on the floor defensively and things like that. And you look up, your shots aren’t falling. So, no love lost. Can’t be upset about that one. Be ready for the next one.”