Darvin Ham dropped a positive update on D’Angelo Russell ahead of the Pelicans’ clash. The LA Lakers took on the Denver Nuggets at home last night and suffered a humiliating loss. The star guard D’Lo missed out on the action due to an injury. While doubts were raised ahead of the clash against another explosive team, HC Ham revealed that the 27-year-old was available for the game. Responding to a reporter’s question on Russell’s availability, he said, “Yeah, he is available.”

Moreover, Russell’s inclusion will alter the game plan, which took a hit last night. Max Christie made it to the starting line as the backup guard for D’Lo last night and before the end of the game, he went to the locker room with an injury. While Taurean Prince seemed like the next possible replacement for the role, Russell came back into the side, eventually setting the Lakers course straight.

D’Lo‘s name has been in the headlines for quite some time now. Initially, trade rumors were all over the place, claiming that the Lakers would trade the All-Star to rope in Atlanta Hawks‘ Dejounte Murray. However, he changed the odds in his favor with a series of impressive performances, averaging close to 30 points in his last 10 outings.

While he made his place in the Lakers’ starting line-up, the 27-year-old’s absence was majorly felt during yesterday’s game. The Nuggets had a comfortable lead throughout the game, as the Lakers’ offense struggled to catch up. However, the home team almost got back in the game with a few minutes left on the clock.

Once again, the Nuggets snatched the game away in a matter of three possessions, stressing the absence of D’Lo even more strongly.

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Following the loss against the Nuggets, will Russell’s inclusion prove to be the difference against the explosive Pelicans?

Can the Lakers defeat the Pelicans after Russell’s return?

The Lakers struggled with a missing piece in their offense against the Nuggets, and the points difference in the first three quarters stands tall as proof. And now they take on the Pelicans, who have similar gameplay to the Nuggets, attacking the paint.

With the inclusion of Russell, the Lakers can find buckets from their star guard apart from AD and James. And, the Lakers’ decision to go forward with Russell for the rest of the season proves that the star has a definite role to play on the side.

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What do you make of the Lakers’ unit after D’Lo‘s return? Let us know in the comments below.