Las Vegas-Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham knows that by the time he’s coaching a game that counts in the fall, his team can be very different, but he’s exactly the same as the current group. I accept it as.
“We love everyone on the roster,” Ham told reporters during the half-time of LA’s 104-84 Summer League defeat to the Phoenix Suns on Friday. “And until you’re on our roster, you’re ours and we’ll try to be better in the groups we have. That’s just the conclusion. ..
“I’ve been in this league for 26 years and I don’t know a player who hasn’t been named in trade rumors once or twice. But that’s what it is. That’s the nature of our beast. Again. But I’m very grateful to the people on our roster. I’m proud and want to get the most out of what they can and help them reach their ultimate goal. I think.”
If the Lakers try to do it on the same core Lebron James, Anthony Davis When Russell Westbrook Having contributed to one of the most disappointing campaigns in franchise history together last year in their first season, Ham’s vote of no confidence can only help him in relation to future players.
But it remains big.
The Lakers Summer League team may have been on the court playing Sands, but all eyes were on the bystanders of Thomas & Mac Arena, where James and Westbrook couldn’t leave any further. rice field.
James was sitting in the south baseline adjacent to his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, and his longtime friend and executive administrator of the Lakers, Randy Mims. Westbrook, meanwhile, lay next to the Lakers bench on the other side.
During the first and second quarters, Ham and Lakers’ vice president of basketball business and general manager Rob Perinka greeted James from the half-court seat. Pelinka and LA Star covered their mouths with both hands for discretion and shared a brief conversation.
The Lakers’ engagement with Brooklyn Nets and the Indiana Pacers last week-in sources that told ESPN that both scenarios involved sending Westbrook-the position of James and Westbrook was noteworthy. ..
Several other Lakers players in attendance- Talen Horton Tucker, Wenien Gabriel When Thomas Bryant -Headed to James.
However, James and Westbrook stayed in their respective corners, Westbrook exited one tunnel in half-time, and James exited another tunnel after the third quarter.
When Ham was asked if he tried to build a friendship between the Lakers’ Marquee names in James, Westbrook, and Davis since he was appointed head coach last month, their summer schedule became difficult. He said he was.
“This is an interesting time of the year,” Ham said. “There are newborns in AD along the way. These guys have a busy schedule. They are busy guys. Russ is doing his fashion. Lebron is doing countless things. Absolutely, we’re a rock step in communication. But it’s difficult. Men are doing business outside basketball. But whenever I need it, I need the thoughts of all three. Whenever they are, they do a good job of staying connected in that they are with me. “
Westbrook and James may have been stationed far away on Friday, but they both influenced their behavior, especially with new guards. Scotty Pippen Jr... , Signed a two-way contract with LA last month.
Pippen led the LA with 19 points, but with five turnovers, Phoenix’s defense targeted him as the Lakers’ leading playmaker.
“He gave me some guidance and I decided to use them,” Pippen said of Westbrook’s advice on how to thwart Sands’ defensive pressure.
James provided another type of assist, helping Pippen literally lift Pippen off the floor after absorbing contact at the rim and falling at James’ feet in the first half.
“I think it was cool,” Pippen said with a laugh, “he was a little too expensive for me.”
