The tale surrounding Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell’s recent shooting troubles is starting to alarm some as the regular season finale approaches on Sunday. After defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 6, Russell has not shot better than thirty percent from the field in the last three games.

The 28-year-old’s difficulties in the postseason the previous year, particularly in the Western Conference Finals, are well known, and this could be a red flag. Russell needs to perform offensively as he has for most of the season if the Lakers are to advance to the Play-In Tournament, regardless of what happens on Sunday. 

LeBron James, though, seems unconcerned about his starting point guard’s poor shooting. James expressed faith in his colleague Russell, knowing that the Lakers’ success depended on him, even if Russell only managed to score four points in 35 minutes and shot just 2-for-9 from the field on Friday.

Fortunately, Russell’s subpar play on Friday prevented Los Angeles from suffering a damaging defeat. However, the 6’3″ guard elevates the squad to a new level and makes them difficult to beat when he is in a rhythm on offense. It is natural for Russell to be self-critical when shooting, but maybe having James’ vocal encouragement will help things improve sooner rather than later. 

 Another factor is that the former Ohio State product is looming another important possible free agency. With an $18.6 million player option for next season, the early expectation is Russell will decline it and cash in on a payday. If the Lakers want to get where they want to go and for Russell to earn himself a pay raise, he needs to have a solid regular-season finale and build off of it heading into the postseason.