(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers will live to see another day.
With an epic performance by Anthony Davis, Darvin Ham’s team staved off elimination in Game 4.
Besides Davis’ dominance on the glass, the Lakers finally got some production from D’Angelo Russell, who had once again struggled mightily as soon as the playoffs started.
Despite some fans urging Darvin Ham to bench Russell and use Spencer Dinwiddie, Gabe Vincent, or even LeBron James as the starting point guard, the coach still decided to roll with the Ohio State product.
Following the game, however, Russell wasn’t exactly thankful to his coach for the confidence.
He stated that while he appreciated it, he didn’t need Ham’s confidence, and he has more belief in himself than anybody else in the world (via NBA News).
D’Angelo Russell on Darvin Ham still believing in him:
“I believe in myself more than anybody. I don’t need that, but I appreciate it.”
(via @LakersNation) pic.twitter.com/uR9vSir1ab
— NBA News (@Nbanews109) April 28, 2024
Of course, all professional athletes need to have a bit of an ego and be confident in their game, but they also must be aware and held accountable when they’re not doing their job.
Russell has rubbed a lot of people the wrong way throughout the course of his career, and this might be an example of why.
Win or lose, Russell is reportedly going to test out free agency again in the offseason, and it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see him land somewhere else.
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