Lakers: How Darvin Ham Feels About LA's Chances Of Winning Despite Major Absences

The Lakers head coach weighs in.

Let's face it. Your 2022-23 Los Angeles Lakers are unlucky. 

And when I say that, I’m talking about the injury issue -- just one of the many things that needed to go right for LA post-All-Star break, and which hasn’t been going the team's way so far.

In their first game back against the Golden State Warriors after All-Star Weekend, Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell suffered a sprained right ankle as he took the ball out from under the basket to inbound it and has been out ever since.

And, of course, we all know the devastating news surrounding LeBron James, as he will be out for roughly three weeks due to a tendon injury in his right foot.

Regardless of missing two of your starters, head coach Darvin Ham still believes in this Lakers team's chances to hold their head above water.

Darvin Ham noted the reality of LeBron and Russell both being out, but noted this message to the team:

“We have more than enough talent to still take care of our business.”

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 4, 2023

Ham made these comments in the pre-game press conference before their defeat in the first of a five-home game stand to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 110-102. 

The Lakers are clearly better than what they had pre-trade deadline; however, could it be too late to make the playoffs?

Time and injuries are not on the purple and gold's side, as they currently sit four games under .500, but only one game out of the 10-spot in the play-in tournament. 

There is also no sign of James and D-Lo returning, even though we were initially told D'Angelo wouldn't miss much time. 

Los Angeles is a better team as currently constructed, but now is no time to play .500 or worse basketball. They have gone 3-2 since the All-Star break, and they must pick up the pace if they want a shot at a play-in shot. No one is going to feel sorry for them, and everyone will do their best to knock them out of playoff contention. 

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