THE Los Angeles Lakers misplaced as soon as once more on Wednesday, this time to the Memphis Grizzlies, giving them a 1-4 file on the five-game highway journey they accomplished on Wednesday. As soon as once more, as within the defeats in opposition to the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers in latest days, they have been merely outplayed by their opponents.
The Lakers have been shorthanded in opposition to the Grizzlies, as Anthony Davis (heel) and Rui Hachimua (sickness) didn’t play. However dropping because of lack of effort isn’t acceptable.
Head coach JJ Redick restricted start line guard D’Angelo Russell to simply 22 minutes, and he stated after the match that this was partly because of the stage of competitors put ahead by Russell. Former NBA participant and present ESPN character Kendrick Perkins criticized Russell for his lack of effort in Wednesday’s recreation and confirmed a couple of possessions the place the hassle and execution have been insufficient (h/t The chilly wire).
Russell shot simply 4 of 12 from the sector and a pair of of 9 from 3-point vary within the loss to the Grizzlies. In eight video games, he’s capturing 37.5% total and 29.2% from downtown.
It is exhausting to think about Redick benching Russell by eradicating him from the beginning lineup, like former Lakers head coach Darvin Ham did final season. However until Russell begins enjoying nicely persistently, he might proceed to take a seat out throughout crucial instances in favor of somebody like Gabe Vincent, who additionally struggles along with his capturing however consistently competes on the defensive finish .
This text was initially printed on LeBron Wire: Kendrick Perkins Slams D’Angelo Russell for Lack of Effort
