“I didn’t know what was at stake,” D’Angelo Russell said after a recent loss to the Sacramento Kings. D’Lo posted his lowest overall of 2024, scoring 6 points alongside 6 assists. The Los Angeles Lakers opened the game strong but were soon outmatched after a dismal 17-point third quarter. Sacramento was simply a better team, as the Lakers shot 48% from the field, nearly 44% from three while shooting 22 free throws. With that, Stephen A. Smith singles out D’Angelo’s unawareness as a prime example of the Lakers’ low record on the season.

“That’s embarrassing. He should be ashamed of himself.” Stephen A. expressively claimed about D’Angelo Russell’s comments. Moreover, he portrayed his disbelief in D’Angelo’s remark; especially when the Lakers’ chances to stay in the play-in pool can dim with further losses.

While shedding light on the importance of his role on the LA roster, Stephen A. brings forth Russell’s performance from the playoff series against Denver last season. D’Angelo Russell averaged 17.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists last season. Moreover, he shot 46.9% from the field. However, against Denver, he could only come up with 6.3 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.0 rebounds in the clean sweep.

In response, Bob Myers credited the guard for remaining honest. However, he then pushed Smith’s point across, citing that “every game there’s something at stake for this Lakers team“. Myers highlighted that the purple and gold, despite their 9th spot on the Conference table, has a 4% chance of making it out of the play-in pool.

While Smith then gets into a heated argument with Michael Wilbon on the weight of D’Lo’s comments, he emphasizes the mental preparedness the guard needs to maintain should be on the same page with the team.

A fair look at D’Angelo Russell’s stats this season, amid backlash

D’Angelo Russell is the third-best scorer for the Los Angeles Lakers this season. While LeBron James and Anthony Davis post 25.2 and 24.7 points per game, Russell chips in a 17.8 average per night. Moreover, he is also the best 3-point shooter on the roster.

With 6.6 attempts per game, Russell connects on 42.2% of his long-range shots, followed by Rui Hachimura and James. Moreover, he rests below LeBron as the team’s leader in assists, handing out 6.2 dimes per match.

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Russell’s role with the Lakers, even though it might not seem at the surface, is deeply ingrained. Moreover, he has been their best performer on several nights, overshadowing James and Davis’ production. However, D’Angelo Russell also shoulders a notion of underperforming when the stakes are at their peak. He still carries the harsh reality from last year’s playoffs. With that, as the season nears its end, Russell needs to amp up his game, giving major glances at what makes him one of the most threatening offensive instruments in the Lakers’ arsenal.

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