In Game 1 of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Denver Nuggets and earned the rematch they had been waiting for.

To qualify for the postseason, Los Angeles had to overcome a difficult Play-In Tournament matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans, but following their victory, it appeared as though they were prepared to dispel any naysayers who thought they had no chance against Denver.

The Lakers were well on their way to accomplishing that in the first half, building a double-digit lead that they eventually let slip away from them in the second.

Given how frigid he was off the field, D’Angelo Russell should take a big chunk of the blame for the team’s collapse in the second half. Russell scored 13 points on 6-of-20 shooting in the evening, including a pitiful 1 of 9 from the 3-point range.

Russell didn’t criticize his appearance despite the bad shooting night and said he was eager for Game 2 to give him another chance to prove himself.

“Very attractive.” said Russell. “I’m not allowed to get angry. I can’t remember when I last had twenty shots. Therefore, it wasn’t twenty “good” looks that I received; perhaps five or six of them were dubious. I am aware of my abilities. To be honest, I’m thrilled. I’m thrilled to hear that.

The point guard continued, saying that although he was playing according to the game plan, this time his shots just didn’t fall. “The ball just doesn’t fall sometimes. I was focused on the tiny things and the specifics in order to maintain my defensive position on the floor and other such things.

You glance up to see that your shots aren’t dropping. Thus, love was not gone. That one cannot cause you any grief. Watch out for the next one.

Russell has been downplaying his part in the show and its significance for him; he even went so far as to claim that his strategy hasn’t changed. Los Angeles can’t afford to have him be so ineffectual offensively, though, so something has to change.

In the event that Russell doesn’t improve right now, head coach Darvin Ham may be forced to go to players like Gabe Vincent or Spencer Dinwiddie.

The Lakers are still interested in Trae Young. However, after Game 1, D’Angelo Russell’s performance may make the front office reevaluate their guard alternatives. Trae Young is one name that keeps coming up in relation to the Lakers, and it’s said that they are still interested in trading for him.