TLDR (MY THOUGHTS): I think if we can get healthy, and add a TRUE 3&D AND/OR a starting caliber big to pair with AD, that can defend and crash the class well, then we should be in a good spot. I’d be willing to give Ham the season to see what we got.
As it stands we’re almost at the quarter mark of the season (time flies right?). Lakers are 11-8, 7th in the West, 3 GB of 1st. They’re also in the knockout stages of the in season tournament, after going undefeated in the Group Stage.
This team is hard to read on. Very inconsistent so far but a lot to be desired. Big issues so far involve rebounding, shooting, and perimeter defense.
We aren’t fully healthy, so granted I do think when we’re at full strength, it’ll help with those deficiencies. But even then I think this team needs 1-2 pieces to fully contend.
Darvin Ham is also hard to read on. He’s frustrating in a lot of aspects, but consider what he’s done so far. Lakers had a 47 million dollar liability that hampered the team, and when traded for spare parts, this team went 17-6 to close out the year. And made the WCF. And while we got swept, I wasn’t expecting a one legged Bron and AD to carry against the Nuggets. Especially when we had Tristan Thompson on Jokic.
I’d be more than happy to see someone else as coach. Losing due to lack of key rotation guys is one thing but clearly this team has zero identity on both sides of the court. No adjustments to slow starts or stagnation on Offense/Defense.