“This is the playoffs, sir!” Gilbert Arenas lashes out at Darvin Ham over his bizarre rotations despite Lakers getting hammered by the Nuggets

Darvin Ham needs to prioritize his main players playing time.

“This is the playoffs, sir!” Gilbert Arenas lashes out at Darvin Ham over his bizarre rotations despite Lakers getting hammered by the Nuggets

Gilbert Arenas and Darvin Ham

The Los Angeles Lakers trail 0-2, as they face the Nuggets in the first round of the postseason. In Game 1, the Lakers were lacking effort from their assets; however, in Game 2, the squad came up just short. 

On the other hand, Darvin Ham has been resting the key players quite a lot in this series. Anthony Davis has been the leader so far in the series, doing the most on both ends of the floor.

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AD played 39 minutes in Game 2, whereas he was on the floor for more than 44 minutes in the series opener. The Lakers came up short after Jamal Murray‘s game-winner, as the game went down to the last possession.

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Looking at how things played, if LeBron James and AD had had 40+ minutes of playing time in the previous game, the outcome might’ve been different. Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas shared his insights on Ham’s rotations. 

There’s no time to come out of the game... But either Anthony Davis or LeBron or both gotta play 45 plus. This is the playoffs sir. You got three players... Unless they get in foul trouble, don't even think about subbing them out of the game.
Said Gilbert Arenas on his podcast

Darvin Ham played Gabe Vincent and Taurean Prince for more than 15 minutes in Game 2. Both players did not contribute as much as the time would’ve been utilized by AD on the floor. 

Subbing in Vincent alongside Spencer Dinwiddie did not make sense, as told by Arenas, with both being guards. Game 2 ended with a margin of two points for every possession and sub-matters, as we reflect. 

Darvin Ham has received a lot of negativity already

Leading by 15 at halftime, the Lakers seemed to have control of the game. However, the Nuggets made an unbelievable comeback, outscoring the Lakers 57-40 in the second half. Ham’s rotations did not make much sense going into the third quarter.

James and AD have great chemistry, as their Pick-and-rolls are one of the best finishers at any point of the game. Though the same play wasn’t exhausted like it should’ve.

All the fingers are pointed at Ham for his defensive and offensive rotations, as the Lakers have a great chance of beating the Nuggets this year. One of the key factors in the series is the Nuggets’ struggle at home. The Lakers aren’t backing down so quickly, giving Denver the toughest competition. 

The victory margins weren’t as broad in the last two games. With the series continuing in LA, the Lakers will look to get their first win in the playoffs this year. It will be interesting to see whether Ham decides to play his main players over 40 minutes in Game 3 on Wednesday. 

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