Since becoming the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers several weeks ago, Darvin Ham has spoken very positively about Russell Westbrook, and he has even praised the former MVP’s mentality.
It has come in stark contrast to the Lakers’ efforts to trade the triple-double king, as well as the supposed tension between him and LeBron James.
In spite of the team’s roster issues and deficiencies, Ham’s arrival has been a bit of fresh air for the suddenly embattled franchise.
However, while on the All The Smoke podcast, Ham was asked what fans can expect from the Lakers this coming season, and he said something that may sound like a veiling warning to Westbrook.
“Competing at a high level. We’re going to be together. The most together team always does well, always wins at the end of the day. And accountability. We’re going to be tough. We’re going to be defensive-minded. That’s the side of the ball where you’re going to see the quickest and most drastic improvement and we’re going to share offensively.
“Again, we want everybody all in on what we’re doing. We don’t want anybody that’s second-guessing being a Laker or ‘Am I in the right place?’ or this, that and the third.”
It’s certainly promising to hear such talk from Ham, but if his roster is not fully capable of executing his vision of winning basketball, there won’t be a lot of winning for the Lakers during the 2022-23 season.
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