The Lakers Have Obviously Turned Their Entire Season Around
The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, 121-110. It was Los Angeles' first win of the season and the first win in Davrin Ham's coaching career. Russell Westbrook, coming off the bench but playing starter's minutes, was good, collecting 18 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists in 32 minutes. He was 6-of-12 from the field and 2-of-4 from three. After the game, everyone was in great spirits. The fans were standing, cheering for the first time this season.
Standing ovation in LA as the Lakers get their first win pic.twitter.com/tRyugM1ogp
β Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) October 31, 2022
Ham got a celebratory bath when he entered the locker room postgame.
Congrats to Darvin Ham on getting his first official win as an NBA head coach π
β πππ‘π ππ£β ππ½πΌ (@_Talkin_NBA) October 31, 2022
(via @94feetofgame/ IG) #NBATwitter #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/RFtzUru2Fm
Ham then paid the goodwill forward in his press conference singing the praises of Westbrook who was "phenomenal" and "nothing short of amazing."
This too real. Darvin Ham was the right guy for the job. Congrats Darvin, Westbrook, and the Lakers. Keep up that energy! pic.twitter.com/UEfjbf0i0g
β Zach Blume (@zblumee) October 31, 2022
LeBron James added that Westrbook was "more and more comfortable in the role."
LeBron on Russ leading the second unit tonight, towards 18 points (6 of 12 FG's), 8 assists (3 TO's), 8 boards and a +18: "Tonight he was more and more comfortable in the role." Said it was a big key in the W.
β Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 31, 2022
The only person in America willing to speak the harsh truth about the game was Action Network's Matt Moore.
Beating teams twice in a week is difficult, the numbers lean towards the team that lost the first matchup, and especially if the team is at home for the 2nd.
β Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) October 31, 2022
LA wins a high number of Sunday games, and they're desperate to get a win, both backup PGs out.
The Regular Season.
So is it more likely the Lakers and Westbrook have suddenly turned things around? Or that even bad teams generally win one game out of every six? The praise and Gatorade baths could be fun to look back at by the time the Lakers are back on ESPN against the Clippers on November 9th. 3-7 will look as ridiculous on the marquee as Jimmy Butler's long hair.