In a challenging Friday night game, the Los Angeles Lakers faced a disheartening 130-112 defeat at home against the Brooklyn Nets. Despite leading by six at halftime, the Lakers struggled in the second half, where the Nets dominated with a 68-44 scoring run — providing another lowlight amid a struggling 2023-24 NBA campaign.
Lakers coach Darvin Ham has been under considerable pressure this season, and the latest loss only added to his frustrations. He reflected on the team’s performance, highlighting the stark contrast between the two halves — emphasizing the team’s need for consistency and a firm decision on their identity and approach.
“That first half is what we’re working toward … and then the inconsistency showed up and reared its head in the second half,” Ham said. “We have to decide which team we’re gonna be.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Darvin Ham, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Ham, expressing a sense of urgency, called for more than just verbal commitments from his players, insisting on concrete action on the court.
“It’s over for the excuses,” Ham said. “We got to play basketball.”
A significant factor in the Lakers’ loss was the performance of the Nets’ bench, which outscored the Lakers’ reserves 59-23. This was exemplified by Nets guard Cam Thomas, who alone contributed a game-high 33 points.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Darvin Ham, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Ham spoke about using game film to address and learn from the team’s collapse, stressing the importance of confronting both their play’s positive and negative aspects.
“You show it on film and address it with the group,” Ham said. “You take all of it, the good, the bad, and the ugly, and you show it to them.”
Following this defeat, the Lakers’ season record fell to 21-22, leaving them in a precarious position, barely holding onto the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference. This spot is critical as it represents the last entry point into the play-in tournament.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Darvin Ham, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers are set to host the Portland Trail Blazers, who currently have a 12-29 record, on Sunday. This upcoming game presents an opportunity for Los Angeles to regroup and aim for a much-needed win.
