Home Football The Lakers’ victory over the Thunder is D’Angelo Russell’s proof that he is their key to a championship

The Lakers’ victory over the Thunder is D’Angelo Russell’s proof that he is their key to a championship

Football — 03/05/2024

The Los Angeles Lakers faced another strong home opponent, the Oklahoma City Thunder, on Monday night, only days after losing to the defending NBA Champions. The Thunder had the top seed in the Western Conference going into Monday’s game, with a record of 42-17.

Lakers Lead on X: "D'ANGELO RUSSELL TONIGHT 🥶 34 minutes 🥶 26 points 🥶 6 rebounds 🥶 4 steals 🥶 5/11 3PT D'LO MUST BE IN THE CLOSING GROUP https://t.co/MdyLk05U2k" / X

The Lakers had a great opportunity to make a statement to OKC on Monday night after winning the first two games against the Thunder. A victory for the Lakers would make them the club the Thunder most dreaded facing in the first round.

D'Angelo Russell scores 26 points, leads surging Lakers past West-leading Thunder 116-104 – NBC Los Angeles

After getting оff tо a sluggish start in the first quarter, the Lake Shоw did just that, rallying tо a cоmfоrtable 12-pоint victоry. After getting оff tо a pооr start, the Lakers dоminated the game thanks tо a secоnd-half explоsiоn frоm D’Angelо Russell.

Although he has had his share of outstanding performances this season, Russell’s second half performance against the Thunder was his most spectacular. More than just a solid performance, D’Lo’s game served as a powerful reminder of the Lakers’ reliance on him.The Lakers’ championship hopes rest on D’Angelo Russell.

❄️ D'Angelo Russell: 26 points on 53% fg & 46% 3p with 4 steals and played the 4th quarter vs OKC ❄️ : r/lakers

No matter what happens this season, the Los Angeles Lakers will follow D’Angelo Russell’s lead. Although he isn’t the most valuable or top-tier Lakers player, Russell is the deciding factor in whether or not the team is considered a legitimate title contender.

NBA: D'Angelo Russell leads surging Lakers past Thunder | Inquirer Sports

Superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis can only carry a club so far; they require further support if they are to routinely defeat the league’s top teams. The Lakers need a third player to step up and alleviate some of the load on LeBron and AD if they want to go on a lengthy playoff run.

It is a sight to behold when D’Lo is in top form because he is that player. The Lakers’ offense becomes much more dynamic and the flow of the team’s other moves is enhanced when Russell is cooking.

The offense tends to stall and Russell gets checked out on the other side when he’s not playing well. The Lakers have lost a dynamic player in Darvin Ham because of his swift hook with Russell, which is understandable given Russell’s history.

The decisive factor in the Lakers’ victory was Russell’s impressive play in the second half. Russell needs to keep putting up performances like these if the club wants to win postseason games.

The Lakers will not have a chance against the Thunder in April and May until this happens.