Lakers News: Darvin Ham Defends Another Terrible LA 3-Point Shooting Night vs. Portland
The Los Angeles Lakers earned a home victory over the Portland Trailblazers Sunday despite missing LeBron James, who sat out with a shin injury.
In addition to missing James, the Lakers missed 15 of their 19 attempts from three-point range. Only shooting guard Austin Reaves, who came off the bench, made more than one three-point shot. Taurean Prince and DeAngelo Russell each went 0-for-3 from beyond the arc.
Through 10 games, the Lakers have made just over 30 percent of their three-point attempts, the second-worst mark in the NBA. The Dallas Mavericks lead the league, shooting at a 40 percent clip.
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham said that the team was still working out some kinks and that they had no plans on discouraging shooters from taking open shots.
“Guys are still figuring out their rhythms in terms of the synergy with one another, each other’s tendencies and habits,” Ham said after the game. “We’re encouraging our guys, ‘If you’re open, shoot it. If there’s a better play to be made, then make that play.’ But that’ll come. ... The biggest thing that you can do in the meantime, though, is be good defensively.”
The Lakers are 5-5 and are currently eighth in the Western Conference. James was able to finish the Lakers' win against Phoenix but was ultimately ruled out before the game Sunday. It is expected that James will make a return to the court ahead of the Lakers' home game against the Memphis Grizzlies Tuesday evening.
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