3 things Lakers need to overcome 0-3 hole vs. Nuggets, besides a miracle

DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 18: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after losing to the Denver Nuggets in game two of the Western Conference Finals at Ball Arena on May 18, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

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May 6, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) moves the ball up court against the Golden State Warriors during the first half in game three of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Comeback keys for the Lakers: 2. Benching D’Angelo Russell

In Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, part of the Nuggets’ game plan was to attack the Lakers’ biggest defensive liability, D’Angelo Russell. The Lakers have been dramatically outscored with him on the floor and he’s currently shooting just 30 percent from the field and 14 percent from 3.

Darvin Ham has to take it upon himself and either bench or limit Russell’s minutes for the rest of the series. Russell has been a starter all of his life in the NBA but, considering how ineffective he has been in this series, it’s time to limit him.

In his place, the Lakers should start Dennis Schroeder. Schroeder has played significantly better than Russell in this series. Even though his shooting splits have been sub-par — 35 percent from the field and 29 percent from 3 — Schroeder has been a much better defender than Russell. In Game 3, Jamal Murray got off to a hot start going for 30 points in the first half with Russell on the court. In the third quarter, being guarded by Schroeder, Murray didn’t score a single point.

At this point in the series the Lakers have to consider every possibility to give them an outside chance of winning, they have to start with changing the starting lineup again and bench D’Angelo Russell.