Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ 112-105 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, assistant coach Darvin Ham expressed confidence in the current Lakers squad amidst ongoing trade speculation. Ham’s comments came after a game where Anthony Davis had an outstanding performance with 27 points and 15 rebounds, and LeBron James contributed 25 points, leading the Lakers to snap the Thunder’s four-game winning streak.
“We have more than enough in that locker room to make some things happen.”
Darvin Ham:
"We have more than enough in that locker room to make some things happen."
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) January 16, 2024
The Lakers, despite facing struggles in recent games, managed to secure a crucial win over a formidable opponent. D’Angelo Russell played a key role with 14 points and seven assists as the Lakers demonstrated resilience in the fourth quarter.
The victory holds significance for the Lakers as they embark on a two-week stretch without leaving Los Angeles. Anthony Davis had previously emphasized the importance of this six-game sequence for the team’s playoff contention hopes.
The Lakers have faced challenges, including injuries and inconsistent scoring outside of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but Darvin Ham’s confidence in the current roster suggests a belief in their ability to navigate these issues.
Despite trade rumors circulating around the Lakers, Ham’s comments indicate that the coaching staff has faith in the existing roster’s potential. The Lakers have experienced ups and downs this season, including a recent skid, but securing a win against a competitive opponent like the Thunder could serve as a morale boost for the team.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers will need to carefully consider any potential moves while also recognizing the strengths within their current lineup. The focus on the team’s internal capabilities and resilience demonstrated against the Thunder reflects a positive outlook as they aim to solidify their position in the Western Conference.
The Lakers Still Need Shooting And Defence
While Darvin Ham expresses confidence in the current Lakers squad, there are glaring areas that still require improvement, particularly in shooting and defense. Despite recent success, the Lakers find themselves at the bottom of the league in three-point attempts per game, ranking 28th in three-point makes per game. Their three-point shooting percentage stands at 35.7%, placing them at the 20th spot in the league.
The deficiency in three-point shooting highlights a need for sharpshooters who can spread the floor and provide valuable perimeter scoring. Players like Dorian Finney-Smith, Jordan Clarkson, Buddy Hield, Malcolm Brogdon, and Alex Caruso, known for their three-point prowess and defensive capabilities, could be viable targets to address this issue.
In addition to offensive struggles, the Lakers also face challenges on the defensive end, ranking 14th in the league with a defensive rating of 114.0. Strengthening their defense is crucial for the Lakers to compete at a higher level, especially against formidable opponents in the Western Conference.
To enhance their overall team performance, the Lakers should prioritize acquiring players who can contribute to both ends of the court—a combination of shooting and defensive skills. This strategic approach could involve pursuing 3-and-D players who excel in perimeter shooting while also bringing a defensive presence to the team.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers’ front office may need to explore potential trades or signings to address these specific needs. Balancing the roster with players who can efficiently score from beyond the arc and provide lockdown defense will be instrumental in the Lakers’ quest for success in a highly competitive Western Conference.
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