Inside a Lakers’ season gone wrong
The Lakers’ first-round exit from the playoffs at the hands of the Nuggets has left coach Darvin Ham’s future in serious doubt. Multiple league and team sources indicate that it is highly unlikely he will return as head coach. The Lakers now face two crucial questions: Where did Ham go wrong, and will LeBron James remain with the team?
Despite leading the Nuggets for a total of 165 minutes and 24 seconds in the series, the Lakers were unable to close out games and ultimately lost in five games. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, proved to be a formidable opponent for the defending champions.
This defeat was far more painful for the Lakers than a simple sweep. It was carefully crafted destruction by the Nuggets, who tortured and teased the Lakers with moments of hope before extinguishing their season. Denver’s victory was a testament to their resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities.
As the Lakers enter the offseason, their focus will be on convincing LeBron James to stay and making a decision on Ham’s future as head coach. The team will need to reassess what went wrong and make necessary changes to ensure a more successful campaign next season.
Looking ahead, the Nuggets now prepare to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the playoffs. This is a rematch of last year’s first-round series, which Denver won in five games. The Nuggets will be eager to continue their title defense and build on their recent success.
In other playoff news, the Celtics secured another victory over the Heat in Game 4. Derrick White’s career-high 38 points proved instrumental in Boston’s 102-88 win. However, the biggest concern for the Celtics was Kristaps Porziņģis leaving the game with a calf injury. His availability for the next round remains uncertain.
The Thunder completed a sweep of the Pelicans, advancing to the second round for the first time since 2016. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, OKC’s victory highlighted the absence of the Pelicans’ best player. New Orleans now looks to the offseason to regroup and address their needs.
As the playoffs continue, a debate has sparked about which player would be the best choice to lead a franchise. While many consider 29-year-old Nikola Jokić as the top selection, there are differing opinions on who should round out the top five. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Edwards, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are all contenders for that distinction.
Finally, as the Pelicans’ season comes to an end, there are questions about their future. Despite being swept in the playoffs, New Orleans showed promise with players like Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones. The team will need to address their playmaking lead guard position and find an interior force to complement their roster. With key free agents and draft picks to consider, the Pelicans have important decisions to make in the offseason.