Lakers Fire Back At Anthony Davis Over Darvin Ham Criticism

The Los Angeles Lakers experienced a significant setback, losing a crucial Game 3 at home to the Denver Nuggets. This loss, following a disappointing Game 2, places them in a precarious position, down 0-3 in the series.

Throughout the series, the Lakers have started strong, maintaining a competitive edge in the first halves of each game. In Game 3, they appeared poised to level the series, building a commanding 20-point lead in the second half. However, their momentum unraveled as the Nuggets methodically clawed back into the game.

Denver’s strategic adjustments paid off in the dying minutes of the fourth quarter, culminating in a dramatic game-winning jumper from Jamal Murray over Anthony Davis. This pivotal moment was followed by a controversial comment from a visibly upset Davis, who critiqued the team’s lack of cohesion during crucial stretches, stating, “We have stretches where we don’t know what we’re doing on both ends of the floor.”

Davis’ blunt criticism did not sit well with the Lakers organization, sparking internal disappointment and frustration, according to NBA TV’s Jared Greenberg. “From speaking with people within the Lakers’ organization, they were upset and disappointed by AD’s comments,” Greenberg reported. The organization felt that the team understood the game plan well enough, highlighted by Davis’ efficient shooting in the first half, only to see him attempt a single shot in the final quarter.

The Lakers have struggled to adapt and respond effectively to the Nuggets’ second-half adjustments throughout the series, a problem that became glaringly evident in Game 3. This ongoing issue, compounded by the timing of Davis’ remarks, added another distraction for the team, which struggled to find answers against Denver in the latter half of the game.

Now facing elimination, the Lakers are pressed to find a solution to overpower the defending champions, but with the series at 0-3, their chances appear slim.