Darvin Ham’s position at the Lakers has faced significant scrutiny due to the team’s underwhelming performance this season. With star players like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves, the Lakers are held to high expectations, yet they have struggled to achieve consistent success, aside from the In-Season tournament.
The discontent of players with their HC had previously scratched the surface, but now after D’Angelo Russell’s public comments, the locker room tension has penetrated the surface and is there for all to see.
Darvin Ham talks on relationship with D’Angelo Russell
After D’Angelo Russell’s recent revelation of having an unhealthy relationship with Darvin Ham for which he blamed former teammate, Dennis Schroder’s connection with the head coach, it was Ham’s turn to open up about the matter.
When the Lakers head coach was asked about his connection with Russell, putting it in a compact way he said, “I think it’s in a great place.” Talking about the “great conversations” they have, Ham said, “Great text exchanges after games. During the game our in-game conversations. … It’s tough. That’s why the phrase is called ‘building a relationship.”
Their budding bond seems to have a positive effect on the 28-year-old point guard, who has improved his statsline this season by averaging 17.8 points, 3 rebounds and 6.2 assists, while shooting at 47.1% from the floor and 42.4% from the 3-point range per game.
Russell was traded from the Timberwolves to the Lakers in February last year. However, he faced challenges during the Western Conference finals against the Denver Nuggets. After struggling in the first three games, the head coach decided to bench Russell. Dennis Schroder, who had a strong relationship with Ham, took Russell’s place on the court. Unfortunately, this change did not improve the Lakers’ performance, and they lost the series to the Denver Nuggets in a 4-0 clean sweep.
Stating the reason why he was benched, DLo had previously said, “His (Schroder’s) relationship with Darvin is the reason I couldn’t have a relationship with Darvin” which had a negative effect on the team.
Darvin Ham sheds light on bond with Dennis Schroder
Darvin Ham did talk about giving a fresh start to build a relationship with the Laker’s point guard D’Angelo Russell but was all praises about his former player Dennis Schroder.
Speaking about the German point guard after clearing Russell’s accusation, Ham said, “Dennis is someone I love and care about. Dennis is a helluva player.” It goes without saying that the two bonded really well in a short period of time and still have mutual respect for each other.
Dennis Schroder joined Lakers for the second time in September 2022 on a $2.6 million deal for a year citing that he had some “unfinished business” with the franchise.
On his return, the 30-year-old averaged 12.6 points, 2.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists and eventually signed a new contract with the Raptors after his contract with the Lakers ended. However, he has been traded to the Brooklyn Nets, who are in the 6th position of the Eastern conference table.
