SUMMARY
- The Los Angeles Lakers are set to face the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs once again.
- Darvin Ham's recently spoke to the players, and doesn't seem to be backing down from a challenge.
The Los Angeles Lakers recently beat the New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in tournament. The 17x NBA champs managed to come out on top after a phenomenal game from LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D’Angelo Russell. Zion Williamson’s 40-point effort was unsuccessful as the Pelicans went home without a playoff spot. The Lakers are now set to face the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, in round one of the playoffs.
The Nuggets have held the edge against the Lakers on most occasions when the two teams went head-to-head. In the 2023 Western Conference Finals, the Nuggets swept the slate clean and beat LeBron James and Co. 4-0. They went on to the win title against the Miami Heat after winning the series 4-1. The Nuggets are still one of the best teams in the league, and it is no secret that they remain the strongest contender as well.
The Lakers will have to be at their absolute best if they do not want the same events to repeat this year as well. LeBron and AD will certainly look to lead the charge against Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, who have emerged as one of the best duos the league has seen in recent years.
Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham sends a strong message ahead of tough playoff clash
After the win against the Pelicans, Lakers coach Darvin Ham applauded the players’ effort and intensity to bring home the win. He mentioned that he appreciated how everyone on the Lakers was on the same page, from the players to the staff on the sidelines, the communication between them was on point, as Ham mentioned.
“It’s back to 0-0 now. We with all the smoke and we ain’t ducking no fades.”
Darvin Ham after the Lakers Play-In win vs. the Pelicans last night 👀pic.twitter.com/7ND8a9ByC1
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 17, 2024
In addition to that, he also said, “It’s back to 0-0 now. We with all the smoke and we ain’t ducking no fades.” It can surely be taken as a method to boost his players’ morale, especially against a team like the Nuggets. The Colorado-based team leaves little room for mistakes, and the Lakers will have to be on their toes if they want to make it to the next round.
Rajon Rondo’s Nikola Jokic advice will be vital for the Lakers
There is no doubt that Nikola Jokic is one of the best players that our generation has seen. Even though he only has one title to his name, the Joker is still a force to be reckoned with. The way he bags countless triple-doubles is second to none, and he is also en route to winning his third MVP award, although he could face some competition from Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
What makes Jokic so great is his versatility. Centers aren’t known for their shooting or passing, but Jokic is something different. His jumpers, vision, and rebounding abilities make him an unstoppable freak of nature. No matter which team we support, we must admit that Jokic is truly brilliant on the NBA floor. He will surely be the one to watch against the Lakers, and that’s why Rajon Rondo’s advice could prove to be effective.
“You want him to play both sides. Put him in pick & rolls, put him in pin downs… force him to switch, if not… attack him.”
— Rajon Rondo, on how to prepare for Jokic. pic.twitter.com/TyhlWjrX5F
— Stace 💜💛 (@DSTacey1913) April 17, 2024
Rondo mentions that opposition teams should look to make Jokic work for his points by making him shoot. The Nuggets star’s best ability is his passing and vision, and Rondo believes he has the secret to keeping him at bay. He says that teams should force Joker into pick and rolls and pin downs, and make him switch sides frequently. Ultimately, this could leave the Nuggets gassed out, which could pay off in the end.