Lakers News: Darvin Ham's Mentality As Trade Deadline Nears

How is Ham responding to trade rumors?

Amidst trade season, Darvin Ham's job is getting tougher as he's being asked to manage several players who could see themselves on new teams at the snap of Rob Pelinka's finger.

Here's what he had to say about it:

Darvin Ham sounds off about the NBA trade deadline: “The thing I tell everyone is to be a pro.” #Lakeshow @SportingTrib pic.twitter.com/AmUXoGqYoT

— Lauren Jones (@LoJoMedia) January 26, 2024

Ham's attitude in this situation feels appropriate, as the most he can do is try to encourage his players to continue playing at a high level and "be a pro," as the league is a business as he mentions, leaving him and the players with little control over personnel matters. 

The Lakers are a particularly tough team to play for, as Bill Simmons of The Ringer once referred to them as a "fishbowl," suggesting that they're insulated and subject to increased criticism given the size of the fanbase and for the time being, major pressure being placed on being a championship contender as they ride out the end of LeBron James' career. 

Players all respond differently to the pressure, as former Lakers like Malik Beasley were awful while otherwise having great careers, but players like D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Anthony Davis have risen to the occasion, being the same or better in LA than they've been elsewhere. 

At times, you can't help but feel for the players, as they're criticized for their every move, being more or less threatened with their lives being uprooted as punishment for poor performances. 

With that being said, the league is a business, as Ham explained, and there's little anyone can do about the challenges that come with being a professional athlete.