Anthony Davis had some harsh words regarding the Lakers’ confusion on the court after Game 2, which Darvin Ham pushed back on after practice on Wednesday.
After the Lakers‘ defeat in Game 2, Anthony Davis had some strong words postgame, saying the team has ‘stretches where we just don’t know what we’re doing on both ends of the floor.’
After the Lakers returned to Los Angeles and finished practice on Wednesday, Darvin Ham discussed Davis’ comments.
“I mean, I just think sometimes the plays don’t turn out the way you think they should and the frustration sets in a little bit, but I don’t think it’s for us not being organized,” Ham said. “I mean I think I have incredibly talented coaches all along my staff, we pride ourselves whether it’s a practice, a shootaround a film session, a game, whatever. We pride ourselves on being highly efficient and organized. So I just chalk that up to being frustrated it’s an emotional game and the way it ended and all of that. But I would agree to disagree on that one.”
Ham’s difference of opinion in this case with Davis is understandable, as the forward’s quotes imply that the team isn’t given the appropriate direction and, therefore, appears lost at times.
As the team’s head coach, it’s natural for him to have pushback on such a statement. He also gave a fair rationale for Davis’ comments being more about frustration after a gut-punching loss than a condemnation of his staff’s ability to provide clear instructions the Lakers can follow.
In any event, the focus now has to turn to Game 3. After these comments and Ham discussing the team having to finish games better, we’ll see if there’s a sharper, more prepared team present on Thursday.
What does that look like? Fewer turnovers, better defensive communication resulting in less wide-open 3-pointers and most importantly, winning the game. Something they’ve failed to do against Denver in the past 10 matchups.
Davis’ statement is concerning and less than ideal this late into the season, but ultimately, the biggest issue is winning. Los Angeles has failed to do that against this team and until they do, people will continue focusing on what they are doing wrong and why a positive result isn’t happening.
If this team can win on Thursday, it will get this monkey off their back and these comments will blow over. If they start off slow, look unorganized and lose the game, expect tougher questions that’ll be harder to answer.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.