The NBA Western Conference Finals have come to an end, and the Lakers were swept out 0-4, which is also somewhat unexpected, but from the perspective of the game, the gap between the Lakers and the Nuggets is still a little big. In 4 games, Lakers coach Hamm made many adjustments, but still could not help the team win. However, during this period, the Lakers also saw the fact that Russell was also embarrassed, and the key moment really could not be trusted, and Hamm waited until G4 to dare to abandon it, but it was a little late.
In the first two rounds of the playoffs, Russell's offense can still make some contributions, not so unbearable, but what people didn't expect was that when it came to the Western Conference finals, he was completely lost, targeted by the Nuggets, and lost his focus on the offensive end. With a total of only 25 points in 4 games, averaging less than 7 points per game, this is the Lakers' three masters, and such a performance is indeed difficult to satisfy. Russell's performance was clear to everyone, but Hamm always gave him a chance and waited for the G4, when the team was already facing a 3-0 down. Hamm put Russell on the bench and Hachimura and Schroder were in the starting lineup.
In this way, Russell was reduced to a substitute in a life-and-death battle, and I believe he himself knew that the team had lost confidence in him. In this game, Russell came off the bench to play only 15 minutes, contributing only 4 points, and completely reduced to a role player. I don't know if you have found a detail, after a foul by the Lakers in the last quarter, I saw James constantly waving his hand to the bench, thinking that there was no foul, but in fact he was signaling to the coach: don't change. Russell was already in the technical table, then returned to the bench with his head bowed, and did not play again.
Life and death battle reduced to a substitute, Russell must also be dissatisfied, in the second quarter when the old Jen and Gordon clashed, Thompson stopped Gordon at the first time, other players went to check the situation, only Russell, saw him standing at the Lakers logo, chose to watch coldly. I believe Russell himself is very clear that the possibility of staying with the Lakers is not great, if there is no performance in the Western Conference, the possibility of staying is still very large. For Russell, he also has his own options, and this summer he will be a full free agent and can choose a team that wants his own.
It can also be seen from these that Russell's departure has entered the countdown, and I believe that the Lakers will not show too much sincerity to renew his contract, unless there is a sign before a trade. Since the elder James has the idea of retiring, it is believed that the Lakers will make some reinforcements this summer, especially in the third big man selection, and the old Jen's former teammate Irving, who will also become a free agent this summer. In this playoffs, Irving also came to the Lakers' home court twice to watch the game, including the Western Conference G4, but unfortunately the Lakers were swept 0-4, which may also make them more determined.