LeBron James was mic’d up for the Lakers season opener against the Nuggets and captured a hilarious moment from the game. After giving D’Angelo Russell an explanation on why he needs the ball at the top of the key to make plays for the team., Russell flat-out ignored James and pulled up for a bad three, which he missed.
“Pick-and-roll and (give it to me) at the elbow. When I catch it at the elbow, it’s just too f***ing good. And it’s not for me to score, I see everything.”
LeBron telling D'Angelo Russell that he is open at the elbow out of the pick and roll vs switching and he sees everything to playmake – so naturally, he ignores him and shoots an ISO 3. pic.twitter.com/HjkKyXUEEK
— Coach Gibson Pyper (@HalfCourtHoops) October 25, 2023
The Lakers started their seventh season in a row with an opening night loss, as the defending champion Nuggets handed them a comprehensive 12-point loss in a playoff rematch from last season. LeBron had to have left the game frustrated after scoring 21 points and watching Anthony Davis go 0/6 in the second half and score 0 points.
Russell’s performance in the season opener was extremely disappointing, with the point t guard scoring just 11 points on 33.3% shooting. With a cold night from the starting backcourt, it was impossible for James to win this game unless we saw his 2018 version reappear and take on the Nuggets one-on-five.
D’Angelo Russell Was Considered A Steal Contract
After an extremely disappointing playoff campaign, Russell re-signed with the Lakers on a cheaper contract than many assumed he’d get. He signed for two seasons, $36 million, a contract many lauded as a steal. Stephen A. Smith was a heavy believer that Russell may have left $10 million annually on the table.
“I believe he is being undervalued. Listen, D’Angelo Russell can play. D’Angelo Russell, with all of your histrionics on the Pat Bev Podcast, let me explain something to you, bro. You are undervalued. You deserve more than a two-year, $36 million contract. Matter of fact, I’m of the mindset that you should be getting paid at least $25 to $27 million per year.”
If he plays like this in most of the games this season, the Lakers may feel they still made a mistake by keeping him on. He’ll see his name be included in trade talks heavily if these performances continue, so he needs to find his shooting rhythm as soon as possible.
He averaged 17.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in 17 games for the Lakers last season but may see his numbers drop with a smaller role this year.
Could Gabe Vincent Start The Next Game?
If you’re not compatible with LeBron on the court, it’s going to be a short time before you find yourself on the bench. Russell managed to win the starting guard spot on the roster ahead of the new acquisition of Gabe Vincent. But with this opening night where his offense was wooden and defense was lackluster, Vincent may deserve a chance to be the starter for the Lakers’ home opener against the Suns.
The Lakers will need the guard defense that Vincent brings to the table. His offensive repertoire is a little more simplistic, but that could ultimately work out with Russell being a super-charged sixth man who can run his own unity. Vincent’s ability to be a seamless role player makes him a better fit on the starting lineup alongside LeBron and Anthony Davis.
This point guard battle will be fascinating all season long, but if Russell wants his spot to be safe, he needs to score more and play the team game more efficiently.
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