The Los Angeles Lakers’ assistant coach, Darvin Ham, wasn’t holding back when he criticized the officiating after his team’s recent 123-113 loss to the Phoenix Suns.
The Lakers’ frustration stemmed from their lack of opportunities at the free-throw line, with the team managing just eight attempts throughout the game, matching their season low since LeBron James joined the roster in Los Angeles.
Highlighting the glaring disparity, the Suns capitalized on 19 free-throw opportunities, emphasizing the perceived inconsistency in calls. LeBron James, who led the Lakers with 28 points, only managed one successful free throw out of four attempts.
The team’s limited opportunities extended to other players, with Anthony Davis notably failing to make a single trip to the line an unusual occurrence given his typical frequency of around seven attempts per game.
Despite the evident frustration, James opted for a more light-hearted response to inquiries about the officiating, choosing to laugh off the situation. However, the Lakers’ concerns extended beyond the free-throw line, as the Suns dominated various facets of the game.
Lakers Struggle to Contain Suns’ Stars
Phoenix exhibited formidable shooting prowess, boasting a team field goal percentage of over 47% while all five of their starters contributed significantly on the offensive end.
Kevin Durant spearheaded the Suns’ offensive onslaught with 22 points, closely followed by Devin Booker’s 21 points and nine assists. Additionally, Jusuf Nurkic’s near triple-double performance added to the Lakers’ woes, further highlighting their defensive struggles throughout the matchup.
The loss against the Suns marked the Lakers’ second defeat in three games following the All-Star break, contributing to a record of 31-28 for the season.
With a pivotal clash against the Los Angeles Clippers looming, the Lakers face mounting pressure to address their underlying issues and regain momentum in the competitive Western Conference.
While acknowledging that resolving their challenges extends beyond merely drawing fouls, Ham’s outspoken criticism reflects the team’s frustration with what they perceive as inconsistent officiating. As the Lakers strive to overcome their recent setbacks, addressing these concerns will be crucial in their quest for postseason success.
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