Darvin Ham’s positivity is a key for the Lakers
Following Friday morning’s practice in El Segundo, Lakers players and coach Darvin Ham voiced confidence ahead of a crucial game against a divisional opponent.
Darvin Ham’s positivity puts a critical stretch for the Lakers, The Lakers (36-31) are in ninth place in the Western Conference and will visit Golden State, the team just behind them, on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers coach Darvin Ham talks with forwards Taurean Prince (12) and Anthony Davis during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in December. Ham says he has encouraged his players to find ways to play better. (Abbie Parr / Associated Press)
With 15 games left in the regular season, the Lakers are 4-6 against teams that are pursuing them in the Western Conference.
“We mixed in some things we want to try, and it was a great day,” Ham said, speaking for his club, which began the day two games behind No. 8 Dallas, two and a half behind No. 7 Phoenix, and three behind No. 6 Sacramento. “This is an incredibly crucial game, and our meeting went quite well. There was a lot of conversation. I encouraged men to speak up. Everyone, including coaches and players, is looking in the mirror to see how we can improve.”
Regarding injuries, Ham stated that the players that are out are guard Gabe Vincent (knee), forward Christian Wood (knee), and forward Jarred Vanderbilt (foot). Forward Cam Reddish, who has missed the previous two games due to an ankle injury, practiced Friday but is unlikely to play Saturday.
Squeaking into the final play-in place is Golden State (34–31). Superstar guard Stephen Curry, who averages 26.9 points per game, has missed the last three games due to an ankle ailment, while forward Draymond Green missed Wednesday’s loss to Dallas due to back stiffness.
Ham remarked, “We’re getting ready like those two are going to play.” “This game is very significant. Golden State is in rhythm; they’ve had their share of injuries, but they play hard for one another, and Steve [Kerr, coach] has made the necessary changes. They have the proper balance of young talent and experienced leadership. “That’s a championship organization, and we’ll have our hands full.”
Both groups will want to bounce back from their respective road setbacks. Sacramento completed a season sweep of the Lakers with a 120-107 victory Wednesday, while the Warriors lost 109-99 to Dallas.
Although quiet for the final two quarters, Lakers forward Rui Hachimura scored 20 points in just 36 minutes against Sacramento.
After practice, a confident Hachimura told reporters, “This is a big game, almost a playoff game.” “We had a wonderful team meeting today; we went over the plays. They have been prepared for us. We need to defend them well, box out Draymond, and assist AD [Anthony Davis] as much as we can. They like to hit threes, but they’re also a good transition team with a lot of off-ball movement, so we need to communicate and support one another.”
After trying just one shot in the second half against Sacramento, Hachimura conveyed a sense of urgency and stated he needs to be more aggressive.
“I know there are areas where I can improve, but it’s a team sport,” he continued after watching the tape. “From now on, every game is significant. We’ve been communicating effectively, and we need to keep it up. We are well acquainted with them, as are they with us.
Saturday is the third of four meetings. The Lakers won 145-144 in double overtime on January 27, and the Warriors won 128-110 on February 22, both in the Bay Area. The clubs’ latest meeting is on April 9 in Los Angeles.
