Jan 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball up court against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Dubbed by some as the standout game of the year, the Los Angeles Lakers clinched a thrilling 145-144 victory over the Golden State Warriors in double overtime, propelled by LeBron James’ clutch free throws. The showdown witnessed basketball history unfold, with iconic players LeBron James and Stephen Curry collectively contributing 82 points.
This wasn’t your typical January basketball match, and Lakers enthusiasts are optimistic that it could serve as a catalyst for the remainder of the season. The significant triumph is seen as a potential remedy for the Lakers’ struggles in maintaining a .500 record, despite having LeBron James and Anthony Davis mostly back in action.
Blamed for the team’s challenges, head coach Darvin Ham is under scrutiny for his questionable lineups and rotations. LeBron James, in particular, made a conspicuous statement post-game, expressing his views on the most effective Lakers lineup.
Known for his calculated remarks to the media, LeBron’s message aligns with the sentiments of the fanbase, which has been advocating for a return to last year’s starting five that propelled the team to the Western Conference Finals. While Ham initially hinted at reverting to this lineup earlier in the season, he opted for Taurean Prince in the starting five for the recent victory against the Warriors. However, there was a noticeable shift in how Ham handled Prince’s playing time, holding him accountable for subpar performance and limiting him to 24 minutes, in contrast to Jarred Vanderbilt’s 41 minutes. Prince finished with a -22, while Vanderbilt ended with a +30.
As Ham appears steadfast in his coaching approach this season, LeBron’s comments may exert pressure on the head coach to make the necessary and apparent lineup adjustments.
