Much has been said about the Los Angeles Lakers’ failure to hold on to a 20-point lead against the Denver Nuggets. Fans also talked about the lack of aggression from D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Davis in the second half and LeBron James’ supposed ill-advised three-pointer with 14 seconds left in the game.
However, part of the blame should also go to Rui Hachimura, according to Shannon Sharpe.
“I don’t know, maybe he talked to Michael Porter, Jr.’s brother because I think he took the under 10 points the bettors had him.
I’m saying that tongue in cheek, but bro, how do you miss that many easy layups. How (do) you have 3 points?“
Shannon Sharpe on Rui Hachimura
The criticism is fair. Sharpe jokingly referred to the Jontay Porter case and it’s on point. The league banned him for life for giving bettors information and betting for his team to lose.
Hachimura did score three points in 37 minutes, shooting 1-for-7 from the field. As Sharpe noted, he missed wide-open layups that would have mattered so much in a two-point loss.
Of course, the series is still not over for the Purple and Gold. They discovered things that worked for them but stopped doing those and let off their collective foot on the gas pedal. That’s not the way to win against the defending NBA champions.
The Lakers will have another reinforcement for Game 3. Reportedly, Jarred Vanderbilt could make his return to the lineup. “Vando” is another perimeter defender Darvin Ham could throw at Jamal Murray.
Game 3 is on April 25 at the Crypto.com Arena, 10 PM EST.
