Lakers News: Darvin Ham Optimistic Despite Double-Digit Loss To Denver

The Lakers coach knows that the first game does not dictate an entire season

The Lakers lost their season opener 119-107 against the defending NBA Champions, the Denver Nuggets in a game that was marred by poor shooting and disappearing superstars.

Lakers coach, Darvin Ham, understands that even though the team dropped their first game, he knows the roster will improve and get more comfortable as the season goes along.

“Obviously, it’s the first game of the season and we have to get better at and improve,” Coach Darvin Ham said. “But, it’s the first game. We’ll get better, trust me.”

From Denver on the Lakers rallying late but dropping the season opener to the Nuggets: https://t.co/ULf8sTAdQc

— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) October 25, 2023

At the end of the first half, the Lakers were down 63-54 but ended the quarter on a quick 6-0 run to shorten their lead.

However, the team seemed to fizzle out in the second half especially with Anthony Davis not scoring a single point after putting up 17 in the first two quarters.

Ham realizes that there are things the team will work on, but he is not sweating this tough battle against one of, if not the, best teams in the NBA.

“Obviously it’s the first game of the season and we have to get better at and improve,” Coach Darvin Ham said. “Against a team like that, you make any mistake or you come out flat, they are going to make you pay for it. So, our biggest thing, again, is meeting aggression with aggression. Some things we definitely could have controlled a little better offensively. But, it’s the first game. We’ll get better, trust me.”

(via Khobi Price, The Orange County Register)

Coming off the bench Rui Hachimura and Gary Vincent struggled to get their shots going as they combined for just 12 points on 6-18 shooting.

Hachimura was tasked with guarding Jokic at times and a tough matchup showed its face as Jokic ended with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists.

The Lakers are scheduled to take on the Phoenix Suns who are 1-0 after beating the Golden State Warriors 108-104 in a tight game the went up until the last minute.