Lakers Fans Devastated After Nuggets Win First-Round Series In Game 5

Jamal Murray was the man of the moment once again, nailing multiple shots in the clutch, including the game-winner with less than four seconds left on the clock.

Fans hailed Jamal Murray as one of the clutchest players in the NBA.

Lakers fans were upset that incredible individual seasons from both LeBron and Davis have gone to waste.

Fans think LeBron and AD shouldn't be blamed for how this season went wrong given how hard they fought to keep the Lakers in the series.

Darvin Ham received widespread criticism for not using his timeouts in the third quarter when the Nuggets made a 9-point Lakers lead evaporate.

Some fans want Darvin Ham to be fired tonight itself.

Fans were sad to see the era of LeBron, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry finally end with the three combining for just one playoff win this season. 

LeBron James gave it his all as he ended the night with 30 points, nine rebounds, 11 assists, and four steals. Anthony Davis had a fast start to the game but was limited for most of the second half with a shoulder injury, ending the game with 17 points and 15 rebounds. Austin Reaves kept the Lakers alive in the fourth quarter and ended the game with 19 points, with Rui Hachimura putting up 15 and D'Angelo Russell going off for 14 points. 

Jamal Murray put up another clutch masterclass to end the game with 32 points and seven assists, with 12 of those points coming in the fourth quarter. Nikola Jokic had his second 25-point and 20-rebound double-double of the series, with nine assists as well. Michael Porter Jr. stayed red hot and added 27 points in the win to cap off an excellent first-round series.

What's Next For The Lakers?

This is going to be an offseason with many questions for the Lakers. The biggest question they have to answer is LeBron James' future, as the 39-year-old could be a free agent this summer if he declines his player option. With Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Lakers need to be wary if James leaves the franchise to join whoever drafts his son to fulfill his dream of playing alongside him.

In addition, Darvin Ham's poor coaching held the Lakers back at various junctures throughout the season. The Lakers could have avoided even the Game 5 loss if Ham was more timely with his timeouts or sharper with his rotations. With James losing his temper at Ham on the sideline and Davis openly criticizing his coaching, it'll be interesting to see if he retains his job despite support from the Lakers' ownership. 

D'Angelo Russell is another unknown, as he is expected to decline his player option and re-enter free agency. The Lakers re-signed him last year but given the acrimonious end to the season, it may be challenging to do so again. Different teams are courting Russell, so the point guard will have open options this summer.