Darvin Ham hints at LA Lakers role players not doing their jobs after loss to Cleveland Cavaliers: “We need to get Russ help, get Bron help, get AD help”
The LA Lakers are back on a losing streak after falling short at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers last night.
Reporters asked coach Darvin Ham why the Lakers suddenly collapsed in the second half of their game. Ham expressed disappointment towards his team for not properly executing the plays he had planned for them.
Ham was clearly frustrated with the way the LA Lakers have been performing. He even said that the Lakers aren't rookies and should know how to play efficient basketball. Coach Ham thinks that the team isn't following what's in the playbook and needs to start slowing down, especially in crucial situations. He specifically pointed out that it's the role players need to shape up.
Darvin Ham is aware that the Lakers bench lacks the consistency to keep up the same winning energy throughout the game. The only player flourishing off the bench at the moment is Russell Westbrook, whom the coach gave credit to. With that said, Ham made it clear that the LA Lakers' big three need all the help they need if they want to win games moving forward.
"Russ was huge again off the bench," Ham said. "But guys like Kendrick, guys like Austin, Matt, all these guys, they gotta step up and help our big dogs. Everyone's trying to fight. Especially our younger players, they play with energy. You see these guys play at a high level. That has to be maintained."
Coach Ham added:
"Last four games, Russ has been phenomenal. We need to get him help, we need to get Bron help, we need to get AD help. It's a team of talented players."
LA Lakers fall short against the Cleveland Cavaliers
The LA Lakers are once again on a losing streak after their defeat against the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-100. Honestly, LA fans thought that the Lakers could finally end the Cavs' reign of terror in the NBA. All seemed good for the purple and gold as they were able to secure the lead in both quarters of the first half.
Russell Westbrook took over the first quarter with a magnificent shooting effort. He sank in two-of-three 3-point shots and scored a total of 12 points. LA went wild as Westbrook caught fire from the get-go. He shot an efficient 83.3% from the field and helped secure a six-point lead in the opening quarter.
Darius Garland was able to keep the game within six in the second quarter by putting on a show of his own. He had 13 points accompanied by his 60% FG. The LA Lakers were able to maintain their lead before the end of the half. However, it was clear that the purple and gold were beginning to show cracks on offense.
True enough, the Lakers ended up collapsing come the second half of the game. The majority of the team barely got a shot to go in. LeBron James suddenly came alive in the third quarter. Unfortunately, his efforts weren't enough to stop the Cavs' momentum. To everyone's surprise, the Lakers failed to bounce back and ultimately lost. LA fans will be feeling bad after the recent defeat.