(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Many people were expecting LeBron James to lead his Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night in Game 6 against the Memphis Grizzlies.
While James did well, it was actually D’Angelo Russell who was the most important player for the team.
The guard posted 31 points, 4 assists, and made 5 three-pointers, which was a playoff high for his career.
Career night for @Dloading pic.twitter.com/HrkDFbiCUl
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) April 29, 2023
Since coming back to the Lakers in February, Russell has experienced a lot of ups and downs.
He was nothing but sensational on Friday night.
People online took notice of his explosive output.
To many, Russell made it all look so easy.
“He shoots so easy from 3 basic effort,” one fan said.
He shoots so easy from 3 basic effort
— RaWGuJu (@RaWGuJuDesi) April 29, 2023
Other people mocked Ja Morant and his inability to stop Russell in such a pivotal game.
“What a humbling season,” one user said.
Ja Morant let D’Angelo Russel drop 31 on him and put him out the playoffs ???
Wow
What a humbling season
— PRIMETIME (@KingMarcll) April 29, 2023
Some felt that Russell went wild because he saw Kyrie Irving sitting courtside.
Irving was visiting Los Angeles for the game after months of rumors about him possibly moving to the Lakers.
Maybe that got Russell fired up and he wanted to prove how vital he is to the Lakers.
D’Angelo Russel definitely saw Kyrie sitting courtside
— Nathan J (@_nathes) April 29, 2023
As mentioned, Russell has suffered from some inconsistency since coming back to LA.
But as Legion Hoops points out, he shot above 50% for the first time in his playoff career.
For the first time in his playoff career, D’Angelo Russell has shot above 50% from the field.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 29, 2023
If Russell is getting hot, now is the perfect time.
Beginning next week, the Lakers will face off against either the Sacramento Kings or the Golden State Warriors.
Both of those teams have been fearsome all season long.
They will pose many threats to LA but the Lakers will present their own if Russell keeps shooting as he did on Friday.
The post Fans React To D’Angelo Russell’s Big Performance On Friday appeared first on The Cold Wire.