Tensions are high in the Los Angeles Lakers locker room after their Game 1 loss against the Denver Nuggets. LeBron James and Co. came to Denver seeking redemption for last year’s Western Conference Finals sweep. Instead, they got humbled by the defending Champions and lost 114-103 to go down 0-1 in the first-round series. D’Angelo Russell failed to carry his regular season form into the playoffs yet again and was limited to only 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Following D’Lo’s horrific shooting night, Anthony Davis had a message for the former All-Star ahead of Game 2.

Russell continued to struggle against Denver as he shot an abysmal 1 of 9 from the three-point line in Game 1. When a reporter asked AD if he had a message for D’Lo following his performance, he said, “Be ready for Game 2. We can’t do anything about this, but you can do something about Game 2.” Davis knows what Russell brings to the table when he plays at his best. D’Lo is a lethal 41.5% shooter from deep and was key in the Lakers’ journey to the 7th seed during the regular season. AD expects a better performance from the Lakers guard in the series against Denver.

Davis also reminded D’Angelo and the rest of the Lakers that they are no longer in the regular season where players get time to bounce back. Denver is arguably the best team in the league and will punish the Lakers at their slightest mistake. AD failed to pinpoint if D’Lo was struggling mentally because he claimed the two had not had a conversation yet.

Should Darvin Ham try another option instead of D’Angelo Russell?

Darvin Ham has a lot of rethinking to do before Monday’s Game 2. His routine starting lineup failed miserably tonight as D’Lo, Reaves, and Hachimura had no impact on the game. Meanwhile, Laker Nation wondered why Ham did not give Gabe Vincent more minutes despite his experience against Denver. Vincent played only 8 minutes in Game 1 and finished the night scoreless. But he proved in last year’s NBA Finals that he can be productive against the defending Champions.

He averaged 11.4 points, 2.4 assists, and 1 steal in the 2023 NBA Finals. That also included two impressive 19 and 23-point performances in Game 1 and 2. Vincent has had a much better record than D’Lo against Denver in the playoffs. So, should Darvin Ham give Vincent a chance in the starting lineup and bench D’Angelo?

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It was evident in Game 1 that Russell has not found an answer for the Nuggets’ defense. Bringing him off the bench against Denver’s second unit could help get him out of the shooting slump and regain his confidence. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves can run point in the starting lineup while Gabe Vincent plays shooting guard. Do you believe the Lakers need a lineup change to overcome the Nuggets?