Darvin Ham: Lakers Need To Clean Up Transition Defense & Self-Inflicted Wounds

Matthew Valento
3 Min Read
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With the Los Angeles Lakers experiencing some struggles in the month of December, head coach Darvin Ham decided to make a starting lineup change.

After missing some time, Jarred Vanderbilt earned his starting spot back, which slotted D’Angelo Russell into a bench role. However, this new starting five experienced some issues on Christmas Day against the rival Boston Celtics as they put themselves in a 12-0 hole that they were never able to fight their way back from, resulting in the loss.

The Lakers were able to reset with a couple of days off though with film and practice. Ham shared what stood out in the film session against Boston.

“Some of our self-inflicted wounds. We had a really good film session today talking about our transition defense. They put a lot of pressure on you, dead balls, missed shots, made shots, doesn’t matter. They play with a lot of pace and a lot of force. So us really having a sense of energy with that first line of defense, our transition defense, and then also not being disciplined,” Ham said.

“We fouled them a lot, they had 28 free throw attempts. So the fouling and then those guys getting timely offensive rebounds and second-chance points. So those two things right there, just the details. We kept stressing the details in the film session and on the practice floor. Just us not getting bored with the details and playing with the energy and effort and discipline night in and night out, no matter what happens. We can live with ourselves if we’re competitive and playing a smart brand of basketball.”

Since becoming head coach with the Lakers, Ham has been a drop, hedge coverage on defense, but against the Celtics decided to do more switching, which resulted in miscommunication. Ham stressed the importance of communication when changing coverages.

“Definitely. That’s the only thing that can prevent us from maximizing what we have on the floor, is the lack of communicationJarred Vanderbilt believes practice will help Lakers’ new starting lineup gain chemistry

Ham is not the only one who has a positive outlook on the new lineup, as Vanderbilt believes that the ability to have a practice will help them gain chemistry and grow as a unit.

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Matthew Valento graduated from Boise State University with a major in integrated media and strategic communications and a minor in journalism. He grew up in Santa Clarita, California and played basketball at Saugus High School. Along with writing for LakersNation.com, Matthew also hosts a basketball podcast called, "The Basketball Maestros." Contact: MattV@MediumLargeLA.com Twitter: @matthewvalento Instagram: matthew.valento
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