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After dropping another game in the series, the LA Lakers now find themselves down 3-0 to the Denver Nuggets after a 119-108 Game 3 loss. The Lakers needed a big win last night to stir some momentum in their favor, but they ended up coming short.
With the season on the line, LA Lakers fans have been vocal online about what their team needs in their matchup against the Nuggets.
In a Reddit post, one fan mentioned that the Lakers could have benefited from Russell Westbrook's presence on the team. He argued that Westbrook's competitive nature and his impressive track record against the Nuggets in his career could have shifted the matchup.
His post received some interesting feedback from a number of LA Lakers fans with varying opinions.
With their season on the line and in a must-win game, D'Angelo Russell, Dennis Schroder and Jarred Vanderbilt combined for only 10 points. The trio's lackluster production stood out, as they even struggled all game with their defensive lapses.
Could Westbrook have made any difference or impact in this third-round series? Throughout the game, the LA Lakers could have used a constant energy player that would push the pace of the offense quickly. LeBron James is capable of this kind of responsibility but cannot be relied upon to do it by himself at this stage in his career.
For much of the criticism thrown at Russell Westbrook, he often brought unmatched energy in the postseason that every team needs to go the distance. However, because of his unreliable shotmaking and decision-making, Westbrook would have also been an easy target for the Nuggets.
Denver would have probably made an emphasis to shrink the floor whenever Westbrook was on the court and force him to make tough shots.
With how the LA Lakers have played against the Nuggets, one player was never going to be the difference-maker.
The trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves combined for 74 points, but to no avail as they struggled to hold off the Nuggets.
The LA Lakers allowed the Denver Nuggets to shoot 50.0%, including 41.5% from 3-point range. Meanwhile, for the Lakers, shot decently at 45.5% but were held in check at the 3-point line with only 31.3% shooting.
LeBron James on the team's mindset following the disappointing loss
After the game, LeBron James spoke to the media with confidence regarding the team's mindset, down 0-3 in the series.
"Just gotta get one. One at a time. So focus on Game 4," James said. "That's all you can really think about. I mean obviously, this game is over and done with. We had some opportunities, but we didn't come through. Just get ready for Monday. Just gotta get one. One-game series for us. Every game counts obviously."
With a tough road ahead, the Lakers will need to play elite basketball for four consecutive games to advance to the NBA Finals.
