Los Angeles Lakers: Darwin Ham and Injuries...

Los Angeles Lakers: Darwin Ham and Injuries...

The Los Angeles Lakers stink, and there is no way around it. Anthony Davis has finally looked like the first option that we have been begging for since 2019. LeBron James was on a tear in the mid-season tournament. He averaged a crazy 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game. At the age of 39, that is batshit crazy. The mid-season tournament seemed like a hopeful moment this season. But since then, it has gone down the drain. The team has no identity despite having two Hall of Fame players. The Lakers have a problem with the roster and coaching. This season, the Lakers are facing this issue because key players are hurt and Ham can't figure it out.

What is there not to say about LeBron James? He is one of the greatest players I have ever watched. He was the man back when I was in middle school, and now that I'm in college, he has been the man. What he has accomplished since coming into the league is something that is hard to put into words. The scary part about LeBron James is that he doesn't slow down. He has been playing at a high level since 2003. It's amazing to think that a man soon entering his 40s is averaging 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists per game. His true shooting percentage is 59%.

LeBron James is soon going to retire. It is a sad fact, but it is something we all accept. Unfortunately, the Lakers haven't done shit since 2020, when they won the championship. This is the first time we have seen LeBron take the backseat to Anthony Davis. We have never seen that in his career, despite playing with Kyrie Irving and Dwayne Wade. Bron is chasing his fifth ring. He wants to join the ranks of Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant. It seems difficult with the way Rob has constructed a roster around him.

It is embarrassing that LeBron has to carry the Lakers team as the underdog. The Lakers need to make it a first priority to ensure that they can compete. There is no reason for the 39-year-old to be an underdog. Especially with two top-10 players in the NBA, there is no reason the Lakers are the tenth seed with a 17-18 record. Lebron should demand to be traded if Rob doesn't make any changes. The Lakers better be on the phone. They need to make moves to surround LeBron James and Anthony Davis with the right talent.

Anthony Davis has been awesome this season! It is finally happening; it seems Anthony will finally take the reigns of the franchise. It is finally something we have wanted since 2020. AD is one of the greatest defenders in the NBA. During his championship run, he showed that he could guard the paint and the perimeter. He is also LeBron James's best defender, as he can play off-ball. He doesn't need the ball to dominate. AD can run the pick and roll, pick and pop, shoot the three, and work his magic in the post.

One of the greatest powers of all time is no debate. Anthony Davis is averaging 25 points and 13 rebounds per game. He has a 58% true shooting percentage, demonstrating excellence. It is great to see LeBron James be able to have a bad game, and Anthony Davis can take over the show. But the Lakers aren't winning enough. His performance should be in the MVP discussion, but the coaching has not been good. He deserves better, and Rob and Jeanie should know that. This is an All-NBA season going to waste. Whether it's making a trade or looking for a new coach.

Darwin Ham might be one of the worst coaches in the NBA. I have seen teams from the early start have a huge run once it tips off, like the game on Christmas against Boston. The offense has one of the worst rankings in the league, only above the Wizards. The Lakers hold the eighth rank in defensive ranking. They have maintained a solid defense. But what does that matter when the offense stinks? There are now rumors going around that Ham has lost the locker room.

The Athletic reported that due to Ham's rotation, it has lost the locker room. That is not the look you want as a coach and in the front office. Rather, you would want your players to die for their coach. Now, it seems like a ticking time bomb until Woj reports the firing of the head coach. They might hire someone like former NBA Champion coach Doc Rivers. They might also hire someone like Mike Budenholzer. Or they might bring in veteran coach Mike D'Antoni. It will be interesting to see how Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss handle the coaching situation. The coaching hasn't been the only problem; it has been the roster and coaching.

The Lakers roster is not a well-built roster. They have role players who are trying to step up into big shoes. Players like Cam Reddish and Taurean Prince should be 7th or 8th man on the roster instead of 5th. D'Angelo Russell has been too inconsistent and has become a bench player this season. Gabe Vincent can't stay healthy to save his life. But one player who has shined is Austin Reeves. He has been good at handling the ball and has earned himself a starting spot this season. Rui Hachimura is a solid young player, but he has not stayed healthy this season. The Lakers are in a desperate state to make a trade. By this deadline, we could see some trades that can improve the Lakers situation.

The season has been mediocre so far for the Lakers. Though it isn't too late for moves to happen, We could see Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss pull the plug and fire Darwin Ham. The Lakers will be on the phone in hopes of pulling a guy who can help their two stars. LeBron and Anthony Davis are nothing short of superstars, but they need a roster to compete with. The Lakers are in a desperate state. There is pressure for them to beat out the Celtics and win their 18th championship. Darwin Ham is on the hot seat, and the injury problem doesn't help. It is half the season, so LA has to make a move that can help them make a run.