In a crucial matchup against the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham found himself in the spotlight as he criticized the team’s performance during the decisive moments of the third quarter. With the Lakers trailing by just six points with three and a half minutes remaining in the period, Ham expressed frustration over the team’s inability to capitalize on offensive possessions.
“Just can’t have empty offensive possessions. You know, we’ve, in certain instances, we’re trying to shoot, instead of shooting a shot with force, trying to force the referees to blow the whistle.”
“You gotta go make plays. A game like this, you gotta go make plays. You can’t depend on a whistle.”
Ham’s dissatisfaction was palpable as he made critical substitutions, pulling LeBron James and Austin Reaves from the game in favor of D’Angelo Russell and Jaxson Hayes. However, the decision seemed to backfire, as the Lakers’ deficit ballooned from a manageable six points to a daunting 17-point margin by the end of the quarter.
The lineup on the floor during this crucial stretch raised eyebrows, with Spencer Dinwiddie, D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, and Jaxson Hayes failing to provide the scoring punch and defensive prowess needed to swing the momentum in the Lakers’ favor. Despite the absence of Anthony Davis due to injury, alternatives like Rui Hachimura could have potentially bolstered the team’s chances of mounting a comeback.
The Lakers’ subsequent 120-134 loss not only dealt a blow to their playoff aspirations but also reignited speculation about the relationship between LeBron James and Coach Ham. LeBron’s apparent disengagement during a timeout further fueled rumors of discord within the team.
As the Lakers face the prospect of falling to the tenth seed in the Western Conference, their postseason hopes hang in the balance. With only two games remaining in the regular season, the pressure is on for both players and coaching staff to regroup and refocus ahead of the impending Play-In Tournament.
The Lakers Could Have Finished 6th If They Had Won The Last 2 Games
The Los Angeles Lakers’ fortunes took a nosedive in the span of just two games, drastically altering their playoff-seeding prospects. Prior to the final pair of matchups, the Lakers had been riding a wave of momentum, boasting a commendable 9-1 record in their last ten games.
Positioned within striking distance of the coveted sixth seed, the team appeared poised to secure a favorable playoff berth. However, consecutive losses dashed those aspirations and plunged them into a precarious situation.
With a current record of 45-35, the Lakers find themselves in the ninth spot in the Western Conference standings. Had they emerged victorious in their last two contests, their record would have improved to 47-35, positioning them in the seventh spot.
Moreover, clinching those crucial wins would have propelled them to a final regular-season record of 49-35, solidifying their hold on the sixth seed. Their mastery over tiebreakers against both the Suns and the Pelicans would have cemented their placement in the standings.
Regrettably, the Lakers’ inability to secure those pivotal victories has left them unable to rise higher than the seventh spot. Now relegated to a lower seeding, they face the daunting prospect of finishing in the tenth spot. This scenario would force them into a high-stakes Play-In Tournament, where they must navigate two road games to secure a playoff berth.
Adding to the challenge is the potential matchup against the Denver Nuggets, a formidable opponent who has historically posed a significant challenge for the Lakers. With the Nuggets boasting an impressive eight-game winning streak against them, the Lakers face an uphill battle to overcome their nemesis and advance in the playoffs.
The abrupt turn of events underscores the volatile nature of the NBA playoff race and serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of seizing opportunities in the waning moments of the regular season.
