Lakers News: Darvin Ham Looking at Possible Play-In Tournament Challenge With Same Flawed 'Hardwork' Mentality

Matt Levine | Apr 12, 2024

The Los Angeles Lakers season has been a constant roller coaster ride, with the team having massive ups and downs. Los Angeles currently sits in 10th place within the Western Conference standings, giving them a potentially tough road to make the official playoff bracket.

If things stand pat, Los Angeles will need to win two road games to then face off against the No. 1 seed in the West. Right now, that would be the Denver Nuggets, a team that has dominated the Lakers in recent times.

As the team looks ahead to this potentially grim reality, head coach Darvin Ham seems to be back to his old mentality when it comes to tough games. He spoke about the Lakers' path recently, knowing it's a long road ahead.

“It’s a difficult situation, but it’s not impossible,” Ham said. “Again, we just need to do what we’ve always done. … But just look within ourselves and see how bad we want it. Just come ready to work, that’s it. It’s not a mystery or secret formula. … You’re a true competitor, then you’ll make the best of a tough situation. So I expect us to do that.”

All season, Ham has counted on "hard work" to get the job done. But the problem is that hard work will only get the team so far. He has regressed as a coach this season and will likely be shown the door once the year concludes unless the Lakers can go on another deep playoff run.

The team and fans have been frustrated with Ham this year, notably for his strange rotations throughout the season. They have hurt the Lakers, causing them to be in this predicament. All of the faults of the Lakers don't fall on Ham, but he hasn't helped. Ham is on the hot seat and unless the team finds a miracle, he will likely be searching for a new job sooner rather than later.