Lakers Coach Ham Plans to Stick with Struggling Russell in Starting Lineup
Following a tough Game 3 loss to the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Darvin Ham announced that he will not be making any changes to the team’s starting lineup for Game 4. Despite point guard D’Angelo Russell’s poor performance in the previous game, Ham expressed his commitment to giving his players a chance to bounce back and prove themselves on the court.
Staying Loyal to Players
Ham emphasized the importance of trusting in his players and maintaining belief in their abilities, regardless of recent struggles. He highlighted Russell’s resilience and past contributions to the team, noting that the point guard had shown improvement and dedication in previous matchups.
“You want to give your players a chance to make good for themselves,” Ham said. “There were questions about that after Game 1 and you saw what we did in Game 2. He got back in the gym, as he’s always done, and worked on his stuff. And he provided a great source of income in Game 2.”
While Russell faced criticism for his scoreless performance in Game 3, Ham pointed out the player’s ability to bounce back and deliver a strong showing in previous games. Despite Russell’s struggles, Ham remains confident in his skills and potential impact on the court.
Building on Positive Moments
Looking ahead to Game 4, Ham and the Lakers are focused on building on positive aspects of their play from previous matchups. Forward Rui Hachimura discussed the team’s potential and the need to maintain energy and communication on the court to compete with the reigning champions.
“We watched it and we talked about how we were going to continue that,” Hachimura said. “Just the same energy, same way we communicate, [the way] we do everything on the court.”
Despite facing a talented and experienced Nuggets team, the Lakers believe in their own abilities and potential for success. Hachimura emphasized the need for the team to stay together and continue working towards their goals, despite the challenges they currently face.
Looking to Extend the Season
As the Lakers prepare for Game 4 against the Nuggets, they are focused on turning their fortunes around and extending their season. With pride and championship history on the line, the team is determined to put up a strong fight and keep their playoff hopes alive.
A win in the upcoming game would provide a much-needed boost to the Lakers, giving them a chance to push the series further and demonstrate their competitive spirit. Despite the difficulties they have faced, the team remains optimistic about their potential and ability to compete at a high level.
Image/Photo credit: source url