3 reasons Lakers should be worried after Game 5 loss to Warriors

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors takes a pass in front of Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 104-101 Lakers win in game four of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 08, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – APRIL 16: D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

2. D’Angelo Russell struggling

Russell is one of the most maddening players to watch in the league. When he’s on, he looks like a max player due to his shooting skills and playmaking chops. On the other hand, he can singlehandedly upend a team’s offensive plans. The Golden State game was more of the latter for the young guard.

Russell finished with 15 points on 6-10 shooting, but a good chunk of that scoring came after the result was decided. Even his style of play is inconsistent. One night, he’ll chuck up the ball like it’s made out of molten lava, and some nights he plays so passively that he wouldn’t shoot it if you paid him.

D’Angelo Russell must help the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers definitely have better infrastructure than they did earlier in the season, but the bench is still not skilled enough to withstand broadsides from tertiary scorers like Wiggins and put forth enough of a respectable riposte on their own. This is where Russell becomes so important.

With James clearly playing through something and Davis’ status up in the air, Game 6 is gut-check time for Russell and a potential legacy-defining game. A strong performance could etch his name into Lakers history for the rest of time, though a clunker could do the same for the wrong reasons.

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