Last night, the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a devastating defeat against the Sacramento Kings, losing 107-120. Even though Rui Hachimura amazed everyone with his first-half explosion, D’Angelo Russell had a poor showing. Russell gave a cryptic answer when asked why Hachimura didn’t have the same chance to influence the game in the second half.
Rui Hachimura scored 20 points, 17 of which came in the first half, to impress everyone. Strangely, for the whole second half, Hachimura only attempted one shot—a three-pointer that was made. Hachimura participated in 17 of the 24 minutes in the second half, but the Lakers offense, which was already malfunctioning, effectively lost him. D’Lo seemed to be irritated since the coaching made no attempt to incorporate him in scoring actions.
Russell was utterly inconsistent with his jump jumper the whole game, scoring only six points. The timing of this performance is not great because earlier that day, Russell attacked the trade rumors in a lengthy interview with ESPN.was used for the entire season. Above all, he made some fascinating discoveries regarding his connection to Darvin Ham.
Russell took a jab at head coach Darvin Ham, who oversees the Lakers’ offensive strategies, with his remark regarding Hachimura’s absence from the game in the second half. The negative aspects of their relationship are discussed in Russell’s interview with ESPN, beginning with how Ham’s partiality for Dennis Schroder affected Russell’s contribution to the club both in the regular season and the postseason.
“I couldn’t have a connection with Darvin because of his friendship with Darvin… I could have approached the coach when I was having trouble and said, “Bro, this is what we should do.” As in, “I can assist you.” Rather, there was no conversation… I just gave it my best. We got swept, and while he’s not here, I am. Additionally, I enjoy our
opportunities.”
During a filming session in January, the two also got into a heated argument about tactics, demonstrating Russell’s willingness to confront Ham. Russell is probably not happy with his present coaching scenario in Los Angeles because he has legitimate misgivings about the way Ham treated him with Dennis Schroder.
For months, there have been rumors that the Lakers players don’t like Ham, but Jeanie Buss’s backing has made sure that Ham will be in control until the end of the campaign. Even though they don’t like Ham, the team is focused on winning and will keep playing, but an early departure could mean the end of Ham’s time in Los Angeles.
