In a surprising move, LA Lakers coach Darvin Ham benched D’Angelo Russell for the Christmas Day game against the Boston Celtics, opting for a big starting lineup that included LeBron James as point guard, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Anthony Davis. However, following the Lakers’ loss, Ham’s comments about the performance of Reddish and Vanderbilt have left fans baffled and critical of the coach’s decisions.
Darvin Ham’s decision to bench D’Angelo Russell and experiment with a new starting lineup featuring LeBron James as the point guard raised eyebrows among Lakers fans. The confusion escalated when Ham called out Cam Reddish and Jarred Vanderbilt in a post-game interview, stating that they needed to shoot with confidence and avoid confusion on the court.
Online reactions from Lakers fans expressed bewilderment at the lineup choices and Ham’s critical comments. The decision to start Reddish and Vanderbilt together, known for their limited shooting range, puzzled many fans who questioned the spacing and offensive dynamics of the lineup.
Darvin Ham’s coaching decisions have become a hot topic of debate among Lakers fans, with many expressing dissatisfaction and confusion over the experimental lineup. The comments about Reddish and Vanderbilt needing to shoot with confidence have been labeled as “unhinged” by some fans, further adding to the skepticism surrounding Ham’s strategies.
While experimentation is a common aspect of coaching in the NBA, the immediate negative impact on the team’s performance, as indicated by the stats of the new starting lineup, raises concerns. The offense, worse than that of the struggling San Antonio Spurs, and a net rating described as a “disaster” by some analysts have intensified the scrutiny on Ham’s coaching choices.
The Lakers’ rebounding performance stands out as a positive amid the experimental lineup, but questions remain about the sustainability and effectiveness of such drastic changes. The decision to move key players like Russell to the bench has left fans questioning the logic behind Ham’s rotations and play-calling.
As the Lakers navigate a challenging season, marred by injuries and inconsistent performances, the spotlight on Darvin Ham coaching decisions will undoubtedly intensify. Lakers fans, known for their passionate support, will be closely watching how Ham responds to the growing controversy and whether adjustments will be made to address the team’s immediate challenges and fan concerns.
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