With the Los Angeles Lakers facing a critical Game 3 against the Denver Nuggets, all eyes were on the players during crucial moments. Unfortunately for the Lakers, one of their veteran guards, D’Angelo Russell, found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
In footage that has since gone viral, D’Angelo Russell can be seen during a late-game team huddle, completely absorbed in his phone. As his teammates gathered to strategize, Russell appeared disinterested and checked out. The video quickly sparked outrage among fans and raised questions about his commitment to the team.
D’Angelo Russell wouldn’t even join the Lakers huddle pic.twitter.com/QSKsHlWcqu
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) April 26, 2024
Just one game prior, Russell had a solid performance in Game 2, scoring 23 points and dishing out 6 assists in 38 minutes of play. Lakers fans were hopeful that he would continue his strong play during the return to Los Angeles. However, Game 3 was a different story. Russell finished with zero points, going 0-7 from the field, including 0-6 from beyond the arc. His frustration was evident as he struggled to find his rhythm throughout the game.
The Lakers Game 3 loss to Denver, marked the Lakers’ 11th straight defeat against the Nuggets, putting them on the brink of elimination. With their playoff hopes fading, questions about the team’s future are swirling. For D’Angelo Russell, it’s looking increasingly likely that he won’t be back in the Purple and Gold next season.
