Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers
Sports:Basketball
What does Darvin Ham Need to Prove as a Coach Next Season? Have Lakers Fans Bought Into Him?
2023-09-20
Tuesday's show was all about the sea change in strategy for the Lakers when it comes to roster building. Where once it was all about cap space above all - meaning no long term contracts for anyone but the biggest stars - now the Lakers have a bunch of multi-year deals for non-elite players. This, by the way, is a good thing, promoting continuity, and actually providing more flexibility for the front office than simply being locked into that "clean sheet" strategy.
But why did they shift? That was a question left on the Locked On Lakers YouTube page.
Was it the opportunity presented by a team that advanced to the Western Conference Finals after playing together for only a few weeks? Was it a reaction to a shift in the league towards continuity and depth? Was it the lack of any realistic way to add a big name star?
Could be some of each, but this year now becomes a bit of a referendum on the shift, and an opportunity to build. That doesn't mean the Lakers won't make moves over the next year or two - they obviously will - but to what end? Is the stars-at-all-costs era over?
From there, another question looks at Darvin Ham. While he's not on the hot seat this year, after last year's run, what about his staff? Do the Lakers need more "big names" on it? And what are reasonable expectations for Ham in Year 2? What was good last year, what wasn't? Have Lakers fans fully bought in?
Finally, Jarred Vanderbilt was recently asked about players he patterned his game after growing up. One was Penny Hardaway. The other? Another very popular former Lakers lefty.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: Why did the Lakers shift strategy around the roster? What prompted it?
SEGMENT 2: How long does the new strategy last?
SEGMENT 3: What are the expectations for Ham in Year 2?
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