Los Angeles Lakers supporters will undoubtedly be dissatisfied with their team’s 0-2 start to the new season after looking at the win-loss column. There is a bright side to the Lakers’ slow start, despite their painful loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday.
In his post-game press conference, head coach Darvin Ham specifically made note of this. Although the Lakers’ rookie shot-caller was unhappy in the outcome, he was nonetheless proud of the effort his squad made. He was obviously unhappy with the Lakers’ numerous last-second fouls, though (h/t ClutchPoint on Twitter):
“I thought we fouled way too much in the first and third quarters,” Ham said. “… Right when we get to 100% disciplined, one of those hands comes down and guys (are) in the act of shooting a tough shot. We gotta force teams to make those tough shots and not bail them out with fouls.”
Despite this, Ham continued to compliment his team for their efforts that evening. Ham was especially pleased that the Lakers maintained their defensive intensity in the face of a good Clippers team:
“Having said all that, I’m super duper proud of our guys,” Ham continued. “They competed. I think I think we’ve seen improvement from Game 1 and Game 2, especially on the defensive end.”
“Right when we get to 100% disciplined, one of those hands comes down and guys (are) in the act of shooting a tough shot. You gotta force teams to make those tough shots.”
Darvin Ham on the Lakers’ giving away too many free throws.
(via @michaelcorvoNBA) pic.twitter.com/QgUtBI4EFh
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) October 21, 2022
The Lakers’ defeat was upsetting, but Ham is certain that they are “moving in the right direction.”
When they play Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, they will have another opportunity to record their first victory of the year. Coach Ham won’t likely be as upbeat after another defeat, though.
The article The One Thing That Doomed Team in Heartbreaking Loss vs. Clippers by Lakers Coach Darvin Ham first published on ClutchPoints.
