Lakers News: Fans Calling For Darvin Ham’s Job Following Timberwolves Loss.
When you support arguably the most successful NBA organization in history, expectations are naturally high.
Los Angeles Lakers supporters are used to watching their teams compete at the greatest level. We’re talking about Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, George Mikan, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and, more recently, LeBron James.
After retooling during the winter, this year’s team was projected to return to the Western Conference Finals. Based on what we’ve seen this year, that aim is far from certain.
Furthermore, when it comes to the fickle world of social media platforms, people who support the Purple and Gold are not pleased with head coach Darvin Ham right now, criticizing everything from his odd starting lineup decisions to his play calling following timeouts.
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 108-106 on Saturday night. Los Angeles is currently 17-16 and ranked ninth in the Western Conference. This is completely unacceptable for a squad with championship hopes.
When a team fails to meet expectations, a scapegoat emerges. In this situation, the fan base’s ire is directed firmly against Ham. LeBron James has been healthy the entire season. He also plays at a very high level.
When an instance of LA superstar point forward LeBron James questioning an ATO play was filmed, fans on Twitter/X leaped all over it as proof certain Ham should be canned:
Disgruntled fans frequently target Anthony Davis. His inability to stay on the floor for extended periods of time is typically the source of his anger. Davis has been totally healthy this entire year. Not only does he lead the league in minutes played, but he also produces at an All-Star level (25.2 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 2.5 BPG).
Following the Minnesota loss, the phrase ‘FIRE HAM’ trended on X. While unjust, Ham has become a meme for many due to his calm, hands-in-pockets manner from the sidelines.
When looking at the team as a whole, some have been disgruntled with Ham’s rotation decisions. Others have complained about a lack of fluidity on offense.
It will be interesting to see if this team can turn things around. A trade is likely to occur within the next few weeks. If a transaction does not help to turn things around, Ham may find himself in the ‘hot seat’ by the end of the year.
