Lakers News: Darvin Ham Talks About What’s Needed To Defeat The Kings

Lakers News: Darvin Ham Talks About What’s Needed To Defeat The Kings

Ever since Darvin Ham became head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers last season, the Lakers have had a great deal of difficulty playing the Sacramento Kings. Against their opponents in the capital cities, Los Angeles is 1-6 throughout his tenure. However, the Kings consistently defeat the Lakers thanks to the outstanding play of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.

Only last Wednesday, the Kings triumphed against the Lakers for the third time in three meetings this season, led by 44 points from Fox and a triple-double of 16 points, 20 rebounds, and 12 assists from Sabonis. The Lakers and Kings are a difficult team to play against, even when they are at full strength. Considering where the two teams are in the standings, that cannot happen in their final matchup on Wednesday night.

Following the Lakers‘ practice on Tuesday, Ham explained how the Lakers’ losses to the Kings have forced them to acquire a skill set that they otherwise wouldn’t have this season.
Regarding Sacramento, Ham remarked, “They’re a high level team.” “The great thing about it—well, maybe not so beautiful—is that it gives you the opportunity to improve in other areas and add to your war chest when you play against them or any other team that makes you do something different. You have to be extremely proficient on that side of the ball in those areas because to the way they play off the ball, their off-ball screens, their speed, and their passing.

The Lakers’ difficulties against the Kings appear to be comparable to those they faced against the Denver Nuggets, the current NBA champions. Ham discussed how the Lakers would run into issues because of the similarity in construction of the two clubs.

We must find a solution and continue to work on it. Malik’s role off the bench is crucial for them; you brought up Sabonis’s playmaking, passing, physicality, and ability to play downhill and through the paint.

De’Aaron, on the other hand, is the expert at hitting midrange 2s; you should try to give up on him. He can hit those in his sleep. Thus,

it is imperative that we pay close attention to the nuances, remain focused, and be prepared to perform.

However, Ham believes that the Kings’ unique approach—

the speed with which they carry out their plans—is what really bothers the Lakers.

“The tempo is the problem. They can play downhill really well and that’s how they get the better of you,

whether they have the ball or not. They spread the paint to their shooters and collapse it.

Thus, it’s imperative to play well with the ball, offer some resistance,

maintain your distance from them, and communicate effectively off the ball.

The Lakers are two games behind Sacramento at No. 7 in the Western Conference rankings,

where they are at No. 9. With just 15 games left in the season,

a loss on Wednesday would virtually guarantee that the Lakers won’t catch up.

However, a victory would put Los Angeles in a position to pass the Kings and

Dallas Mavericks in addition to maybe passing the Phoenix Suns at No. 6 as well.

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