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Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham has had to respond to criticism about his job security in an indirect manner.
Prior to the Clippers game on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena, those inquiries became more pointed.
Ham was questioned about whether he believes he is coaching for his job and whether that is fair in light of his team’s recent losing streak, as the Lakers enter Sunday having lost 10 of 13 games and their previous four.
“No, I don’t,” was the response from Ham. It comes with the job when you’re coaching this business, and I feel like I’m coaching a hell of a franchise. I’ve watched a lot of coaches come and go—both good ones and those with unfavorable situations surrounding them. Nevertheless, I don’t feel that way at all.
Since The Athletic revealed on Thursday that there is a “deepening disconnect” between Ham and the locker room—especially considering the team’s penchant to switch up lineups and rotations—all eyes have been on Ham lately.
Ham concluded his pregame press conference with the words “we’ll be OK, folks,” expressing optimism about his team even though he acknowledged that he was under more pressure to help the team get out of its funk.
“You definitely look at different numbers in different ways,” Ham remarked. It’s not so much about making yourself feel bad. All you have to do is ask more of yourself, put in more effort, and try to notice everything. Make every effort to turn this around by leaving no stone unturned. but simultaneously maintaining a positive outlook and keeping things in perspective.
Russell makes a comeback.
Due to a tailbone contusion (bruise) he sustained in the December 30 road loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, reserve guard D’Angelo Russell was available against the Clippers after being out of action for the previous three games.
Russell began the first 28 games that he was eligible for before switching to the bench, where he was again on Sunday. For the season, he is averaging 14.8 points and 6.1 assists.
Russell’s abilities to stretch the floor and orchestrate plays are evident in Ham’s assessment of him. Russell can also make clutch shots. That is something that your team cannot have too much of. Without a doubt, he delivers that.
Due to a strained left calf, Rui Hachimura missed his third straight game.
The Lakers waived D’Moi Hodge and Alex Fudge on Saturday and signed Dylan Windler, a former wing for the Westchester Knicks, to a two-way contract.
The 6-foot-7 Windler, who was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 26th pick in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft, has made 37.8% of his 3-point attempts in 26 G League games and 32.5% of his attempts in 87 career NBA games.
Before signing Windler, Ham said the team was most impressed by his ability to make baskets beyond the arc.
Ham continued, “He has good size and good athleticism.” “He’s a goo, and I saw him a lot when I was in Milwaukee and he was in Cleveland.”
