On First Take, Stephen A. Smith and Jay Williams join Molly Qerim to talk through the Los Angeles Lakers falling behind 3-0 in the series against the Denver Nuggets.
Lakers’ potential sweep by the Nuggets isn’t surprising due to matchup issues: Despite boasting star players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers struggle against the Nuggets due to matchup problems. For instance, the Nuggets’ depth in the frontcourt, with players like Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon, poses significant challenges for the Lakers’ defense. The Lakers may have difficulty containing the Nuggets’ offensive versatility, which includes outside shooting and interior scoring.
Criticism of D’Angelo Russell’s zero-point contribution in the game: In the crucial playoff game, D’Angelo Russell fails to score a single point despite being a starting point guard for the Lakers. This lack of offensive production from a key player puts additional pressure on the rest of the team to compensate, especially given the high stakes of the game.
Russell’s disengagement during critical moments, seen checking out of the huddle, deemed selfish and disrespectful: During pivotal moments of the game, cameras capture Russell disengaging from the team huddle. This behavior is interpreted as selfish and disrespectful because it suggests a lack of commitment and investment in the team’s collective effort to win. Instead of actively participating in discussions or rallying teammates, Russell appears detached, undermining team cohesion and morale.
Stephen A. Smith’s strong condemnation of Russell’s performance, labeling it a disgrace: Stephen A. Smith doesn’t hold back in expressing his disappointment and frustration with Russell’s performance. By labeling it a disgrace, Smith emphasizes the severity of Russell’s failure to contribute meaningfully to the team’s success. This strong language reflects the broader sentiment among fans and analysts who expected more from a player in Russell’s position and with the Lakers’ storied history.
Assertion that LeBron James deserves better teammates than Russell: As one of the greatest basketball players of all time, LeBron James relies on his teammates to support him in pursuit of championships. However, Russell’s underwhelming performance raises doubts about his suitability as a teammate for James. Smith argues that James deserves teammates who are reliable, committed, and capable of rising to the occasion in crucial moments, qualities that Russell appears to lack.
These examples illustrate how specific incidents and behaviors contribute to the broader narrative surrounding D’Angelo Russell’s performance and its implications for the Lakers as a team.