On January 8, Beijing time, the Lakers and Clippers will usher in the second Los Angeles derby of the season. Before the game, Jake Fischer of the Athletic reported that several Lakers players were unhappy with their playing time. Lakers host Anthony Irwin broke the news that the result of the Los Angeles derby will be crucial to Ham's future fortunes. Basketball Reference, a well-known data website, lists the latest probability of 30 teams advancing to the playoffs, and the Lakers are only 12%, which is the fifth lowest in the West.
A number of players were dissatisfied with their playing time
According to Jake Fischer of The Athletic, several players' agents have called Lakers management to express their clients' frustration with not getting the right amount of playing time. This report is also in line with the previous description of Ham and Lakers players drifting apart.
Previous reports have reported that Hamm's recent changes to the rotation lineup have caused many players' form fluctuations, which is the main reason for his dissatisfaction within the team.
The Lakers have lost 10 of their last 13 games, and from their current playing time, three players on the team are averaging more than 30 minutes per game: Bushy (36 minutes), James (34.5 minutes) and Prince (31 minutes). Reeves (29.9 mins) and Russell (29.1 mins) followed. Vanderbilt averaged just 17.6 minutes per game, Wood 19.1 and Hachimura 23.5. Regardless of who is expressing dissatisfaction, the contradiction is clearly directed at coach Ham.
Is the Los Angeles derby decided Hamm's fate?
Hamm's position is indeed in danger. Lakers host Irwin wrote: "From what I've learned, the current consensus is that the Clippers' game is crucial for Ham. Considering the Lakers' record against the Clippers, as well as the Clippers' recent heat, many are bracing for some turmoil this weekend. ”
However, Irwin also said he would still be very surprised if Ham were sacked in the middle of the season, let alone this weekend. It's just that judging by what the dressing room thinks of him, his recent results, and what he says personally, it's a bad situation. Especially if the game is too ugly to watch and there are more boos, then it is impossible for the team management to ignore the situation. In terms of the odds to leave first, Ham leads the way, followed by Russell and Pelinka.
The Lakers have only a 12% chance of making the playoffs
The Lakers are currently 17-19 and 15-21 in the same period last year, and although they have won two more games, they are in an awkward position. Basketball Reference, a well-known data website, lists the latest probability of 30 teams advancing to the playoffs, and the Lakers only have a 12% chance.
The specific probabilities are as follows-
Eastern Conference probability: 100% for the Green and 76ers, 99% for the Bucks, 96% for the Knicks, 92% for the Magic, 90% for the Pacers, 89% for the Cavaliers, 74% for the Heat, 19% for the Nets, 14% for the Bulls, 13% for the Hawks, 9.6% for the Raptors, 0% for the Hornets, Pistons and Wizards.
Western Conference probability: Timberwolves and Thunder are 100%, Nuggets and Clippers are 99%, Pelicans 87%, Rockets 78%, Kings 74%, Mavericks 63%, Warriors 54%, Suns 30%, Lakers 12%, Jazz 0.5%, Grizzlies, Trail Blazers and Spurs all 0%.
This also shows that the outside world is very unoptimistic about the Lakers, and maybe they can only change the status quo by changing coaches or trading. New signing Vindler has reported, and he has scored 23 points and 33 boards in a single game in the G League.