The underlying tensions in the Lakers locker room concerning their coaching have been ever-present this season, Rumors of Darvin Ham's job security have been swirling, with a viral video from earlier this season showing Anthony Davis ignoring Ham during a timeout on the bench resurfacing amidst media comments from both player and coach.
The comments that led to the video resurfacing stretch back to Anthony Davis criticizing the Lakers for not having a plan for large stretches of their Game 2 loss to the Nuggets, where they blew a 20-point lead.
"Just got to focus on Game 3, we shown that we more than capable," Davis said. "We have stretches where we just don't know what we're doing on both ends of the floor and those the ones that cost us. So, we got two days to get it right and come ready to win Game 3 (on) Thursday."
Coach Ham publicly addressed this comment, seemingly dismissing what Davis had to say.
"I just think sometimes the plays don't turn out the way they should've, the frustration sets in a little bit. I don't think it's about us not being organized. I have incredibly valuable coaches on my staff and we pride ourselves, whether it's in practice, games, or shoot-around, on being highly efficient and organized. I'll just chalk that up to being frustrated. It's an emotional game with the way it ended and all of that but I'll agree to disagree on that one."
Ham has managed to keep his job all season long to keep the Lakers in the hunt for the playoffs. But the repeated theme of the Nuggets outplaying the Lakers in fourth quarters using set offensive plays that Michael Malone has implemented has shown how unprepared the Lakers have been tactically.
Darvin Ham Admitted To Not Knowing What To Do With Nikola Jokic
The Los Angeles Lakers are facing an 0-2 first-round deficit with the hope they win in Game 3 at home. Before their Game 2 meltdown against the Nuggets, coach Ham said that he doesn't know what to do when it comes to stopping Nikola Jokic.
"He's become extremely efficient, like when he’s manning their offense, he knows how to kill you in a variety of different ways. Just gotta put constant pressure on him and that doesn’t seem to bother him either. Taller than everybody. Wingspan, skillset. It’s like s---, I don’t know what to do."
This comment is a credit to Jokic's incredible abilities, as he's averaged 29.5 points, 16.0 rebounds, and 8.5 assists through the first two games of this series. However, an opposing head coach shouldn't openly admit that they cannot guard the other team's best players in the middle of the series, especially when you have a player like Anthony Davis on your roster.
The fourth quarter gameplan in Game 2 was shambolic, as the Lakers didn't engage Davis offensively at any point. While LeBron James was having a great quarter, it's shocking that Ham didn't run any plays for AD. This is a theme we've seen all season long. It explains why Davis has seemed frustrated with Ham's coaching this season.
With Ham's job reportedly secure for the next season, a first-round exit and pressure from players like Davis and LeBron could endanger that.
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