After winning, the Lakers’ trade target sends a message to D’Angelo Russell.v

This season, the Los Angeles Lakers explored a number of possibilities before to the trade deadline. In the majority of those attempts, including the one for Atlanta Hawks player Dejounte Murray, D’Angelo Russell was a divisive figure.

Since those allegations surfaced, Russell has played well for the Lakers, earning praise from Murray following his most recent performance.

In the Lakers’ victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on March 8, he scored 44 points, nine of which were shot from beyond the arc, and set a Lakers season high with 21 points in the fourth quarter.

Murray yelled, “DLO YOU A KILLA,” on March 8 in a post on X, formerl

In his last 25 starts, Russell is averaging 22.8 points, shooting 45.6% from outside the arc and 47.9% from the floor. He has also averaged 3.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and just under 1.0 steals per game.

In those contests, the Lakers are 16-9 and have lost their only game without him.

LeBron James, a teammate, also messaged his colleague on social media. The prior decision by Head Coach Darvin Ham to transfer Russell to the bench was co-signed by James and Anthony Davis.

James said in his post, “YEAAAAHHHH 9LO.”

Due to the same ankle issue that has bothered James all season, Russell’s big night against the Bucks, who are currently third in the East, was made possible.

Davis was apparently further battered after the game after Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo elbowed him in the shoulder. Davis’ shoulder was severely bandaged after the game, so it’s unclear if he’ll be ready for the Lakers’ matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 8.v

At a crucial time, injuries are catching up to the Lakers’ best player.

Lakers Players Handling Illnesses
James has already missed six of the Lakers’ 31 games in 2024, having missed just three games up to this point.

It’s still lucky for the Lakers that Davis is here. This season, he has only missed four games total—two since the year began and the one that James missed as well. It would appear that their continuous availability is just as important to the season’s conclusion as the postseason.vvv

According to Cleaning The Glass, they are 5-4 without James yet have a minus-3.4 net efficiency differential when he is not on the court.

When Anthony Davis attempted to charge Giannis, he claimed he was unable to move his left shoulder. I’ll see how he feels tomorrow, he said.

Taking both games in Crypto.com Arena to your house could have a big impact on the Play-In Tournament.

LeBron James of the Lakers provides a reality check to Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets.

As of this now, the Lakers are scheduled to host the Warriors in the Play-In Tournament’s opening round on April 17. It’s gonna be a win-or-lose scenario. The winner advances to play the loser of the Nos. 7 and 8 seeds’ first-round clash.

The Play-In Tournament may change significantly if you bring both of the Crypto.com Arena games to your home.

Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets receives a reality check from LeBron James of the Lakers.

As of right now, the Lakers will play host to the Warriors on April 17 in the first round of the Play-In Tournament. This is going to be a win-lose situation. The victor advances to face the loser of the first-round matchup between the Nos. 7 and 8 seeds.