The Los Angeles Lakers’ struggles continued with a 97-87 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, marking another frustrating night for the team. A particularly telling moment came when Anthony Davis visibly expressed frustration over D’Angelo Russell’s questionable shot selection, sparking debates among fans and analysts alike.
Nah y’all gotta trade him after this @Lakers 😭 pic.twitter.com/Z40vuQpf6K
— BIG KAMONI (@kamoniim) December 14, 2024
The incident unfolded late in the game when Russell attempted a deep three-pointer from near the logo as the shot clock wound down. The ill-advised shot resulted in an airball, and Davis, standing nearby, couldn’t hide his dismay.
His facial expression, coupled with a gesture toward the Lakers’ bench, encapsulated the team’s broader issues with decision-making and execution. The clip, which quickly went viral on social media, showcased the disconnect between the Lakers’ stars and raised questions about their chemistry.
D’Angelo Russell had a forgettable outing, scoring just 5 points on 2-of-10 shooting, including 1-of-7 from beyond the arc in 20 minutes of action. His struggles were emblematic of the Lakers’ broader offensive woes. With LeBron James sidelined due to personal reasons, the Lakers needed Russell to step up, but his performance left much to be desired. Along with poor shot selection, Russell’s inability to distribute effectively further hampered the team’s rhythm.
Despite the team’s struggles, Anthony Davis delivered another solid performance, finishing with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks. He shot 10-of-21 from the field, including a rare three-pointer, but his efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Lakers’ disjointed play. Davis’ visible frustration with his teammates highlights the mounting pressure on him to perform as both a leader and a consistent scorer in LeBron’s absence.
The loss to Minnesota marked the Lakers’ eighth defeat in their last 11 games, dropping their record to 13-12. The team’s offensive struggles were evident, shooting just 38.4% from the field and committing 21 turnovers. Without LeBron James to orchestrate the offense, the Lakers lacked a clear leader, and the supporting cast failed to provide consistent contributions.
Austin Reaves and Max Christie were among the few bright spots, scoring 18 and 15 points, respectively. However, their efforts were insufficient to make up for the team’s poor perimeter shooting and lack of cohesion.
The Lakers face a tough road ahead as they try to regain their footing in a competitive Western Conference. If the team hopes to salvage their season, they’ll need to address their chemistry issues and find a way to play with more discipline on both ends of the floor. Until then, moments like Davis’ frustration with Russell’s decision-making will continue to reflect the team’s ongoing struggles.
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