In a fiery retort to critics amidst the Lakers’ dismal losing streak, head coach Darvin Ham didn’t hold back, declaring the ongoing scrutiny as nothing short of “ludicrous.” After their recent 127-113 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies, Ham faced the press, expressing his frustration at the way people dissect “every single game we play.” As Ham’s fate hangs in the balance, his candid remarks, unusual for a head coach, were accompanied by his assertion that he still enjoys the support of Lakers governor Jeanie Buss and general manager Rob Pelinka. Despite rumors swirling about his job security, Ham seems unfazed, with one Lakers official vehemently opposing the notion of his imminent departure, as reported by The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
Ham’s Fate Hangs in the Balance Amidst Team Turmoil
The Lakers’ current four-game losing streak, coupled with a disappointing record of 10 losses in their last 13 outings since clinching the NBA In-Season Tournament championship, has pushed them two games below .500 (17-19) for the first time since early November.
Ham’s candid remarks, unusual for a head coach, were accompanied by his assertion that he still enjoys the support of Lakers governor Jeanie Buss and general manager Rob Pelinka. Despite rumors swirling about his job security, Ham seems unfazed, with one Lakers official vehemently opposing the notion of his imminent departure, as reported by The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
However, the plot thickens as sources close to the team reveal a “deepening disconnect” between Ham and the players. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Jovan Buha, the discord stems from Ham’s recent experimentation with rotations and starting lineups, leading to a fluctuating rhythm for several players across the roster.
Ham, drawing from past adversity, remains optimistic, citing the turnaround in his first season when the team struggled with a 2-10 record initially, only to rally and reach the Western Conference Finals. Yet, the skepticism lingers, especially given the team’s failure to secure consecutive victories since early December.
As the Lakers brace for their next challenge, a home game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday at 9:30 p.m. ET, the spotlight intensifies on Ham and the team’s ability to break free from the current slump. The stakes are high, and the whispers of discontent within the locker room add an extra layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama in Los Angeles. Will Ham weather the storm, or is this the beginning of a tumultuous journey for the Lakers? Only time will unveil the answers, but one thing is for sure – the drama in Lakers Nation is far from over.
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