The Los Angeles Lakers are on the edge of their seats as they face the Denver Nuggets in a crucial Game 4. Darvin Ham, the Lakers' coach, is sticking to his guns, adamant about not changing his starting lineup despite the team's 0-3 deficit. "I'm not changing my starting lineup," he affirmed after the team's film session, choosing to trust the same guys who got them here.
Last year, in a similar situation down 0-3 against the Nuggets in the Western Conference finals, Ham made a lineup change, but this time he's sticking with D'Angelo Russell, despite his struggles. Russell went scoreless in Game 3, but Ham believes in his ability to bounce back. "You want to give your players a chance to make good for themselves," Ham explained, highlighting Russell's resilience and work ethic.
Russell, who bounced back from a rough start to the series with a 23-point performance in Game 2, has been crucial for the Lakers. His scoring prowess, especially from beyond the arc, has kept the Lakers competitive. Ham emphasized the importance of trust and belief in his players, qualities he believes lead to high-level performance.
Looking ahead, Lakers forward Rui Hachimura sees potential in the team despite the current challenges. He acknowledges the Nuggets' experience and continuity but remains optimistic about the Lakers' future. "We have the talent, for sure," Hachimura said confidently. "We just got to put everything together."
As the Lakers prepare for Game 4, there's a sense of urgency and determination. Ham expressed the team's frustration and readiness for change, emphasizing the need for a mindset shift. A win in Game 4 would not only keep their season alive but also inject new life and hope into the team.
The Lakers are gearing up for a do-or-die Game 4 against the Nuggets, hoping to extend their season and prove that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level.
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