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Leaked Video Captures Anthony Davis Giving Darvin Ham The 'Death Stare'
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

As the Lakers faced a daunting 0-3 deficit against the Denver Nuggets, tensions within the team reached a boiling point, culminating in a leaked video capturing Anthony Davis giving head coach Darvin Ham a 'death stare' during a timeout. 

The footage, taken as the Lakers were trailing in the fourth quarter, showed Ham attempting to rally the team during a timeout, with both LeBron James and Davis appearing visibly disinterested.

In the video, after Ham walked away from the huddle, Davis was seen glaring at him, signaling underlying tension between the star player and the head coach. This incident follows a series of comments from Davis hinting at dissatisfaction with coaching decisions, particularly after the Lakers squandered a 20-point lead in Game 2.

Moreover, reports have surfaced suggesting a strained relationship between Davis and Ham, with the star forward openly questioning the team's direction. This sentiment was echoed by Draymond Green, who criticized Davis for publicly undermining Ham's authority.

The leaked video also captured LeBron James engaging in heated exchanges with referees over non-calls, adding to the chaotic atmosphere surrounding the Lakers. 

Davis is not the only player to express dissatisfaction with Ham's leadership. Reports indicate that LeBron James has also clashed with the coach, often disregarding his play calls and displaying visible frustration during timeouts. A video capturing LeBron giving Ham an intense stare further corroborates these reports, suggesting that the coaching dynamic within the Lakers is strained.

As the Lakers face the possibility of a second consecutive playoff sweep by the Nuggets, questions loom regarding the team's future. With speculation mounting over potential changes to the coaching staff or roster, the outcome of the playoffs will undoubtedly influence the organization's decision-making process. 

Will it be LeBron James and Anthony Davis who face the consequences of a disappointing season, or will Darvin Ham be held accountable for the team's shortcomings?

As the Lakers prepare for a crucial playoff showdown, the resolution of these tensions will undoubtedly impact the team's performance on the court and its future direction.

The Lakers Are Guilty Of Messing Up LeBron James' Final Years

As LeBron James continues to defy age and deliver stellar performances in his 21st NBA season at the age of 39, the Lakers find themselves culpable of squandering his final years in the league. 

Despite James' remarkable statistical output, including averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists while shooting an impressive 54.0% from the field and 41.0% from beyond the arc, the Lakers failed to assemble a championship-caliber roster around him.

The Lakers' shortcomings were glaringly evident in their inability to compete with the Denver Nuggets, who swept them in the Western Conference Finals. Given the monumental task of overcoming the Nuggets, the Lakers needed to construct a team capable of matching up against their formidable opponents. However, they fell short in this regard, ultimately paying the price for their shortcomings.

Adding to the frustration, fate dealt a cruel blow by pitting the Lakers against the Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs, where they currently face a daunting 3-0 deficit. The Nuggets' dominance over the Lakers, highlighted by an unprecedented 11-game winning streak, has underscored the magnitude of the Lakers' failure to provide James with a competitive supporting cast.

For James, the current predicament represents an unprecedented low, as he has never endured a 10-game losing streak against any opponent in his illustrious career until now, courtesy of the Nuggets' relentless dominance.

The Lakers have not only failed to capitalize on James' extraordinary talents but have also tarnished his final years in the league with subpar performances and inadequate roster construction. 

As speculation looms over James' future with the Lakers, the organization must reckon with the repercussions of their shortcomings and prioritize the opportunity to maximize James' remaining years in the NBA. 

Should James choose to depart in the offseason, the Lakers would be wise to afford him the autonomy to pursue opportunities that align with his aspirations for the twilight of his career.

If LeBron James Leaves, The Lakers Would Be Wise To Trade Anthony Davis 

If LeBron James opts to decline his player option and pursue opportunities with another team, the Lakers would be wise to consider trading Anthony Davis and initiating a rebuild. Without James, Davis would lack the elite partnership necessary to sustain the Lakers' success at a high level.

Davis showcased his potential for dominance during the past season, demonstrating remarkable consistency and durability by playing a career-high 76 games. Averaging an impressive 34.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.3 blocks while shooting an efficient 55.6% from the field, Davis undoubtedly emerged as a force to be reckoned with on the court. 

However, his injury history raises concerns about his ability to maintain such stellar performance levels in the future.

In the event of James' departure, the Lakers would face significant challenges in assembling a competitive roster around Davis, given the limited options available to complement his talents. Without James to anchor the team, Davis would lack the necessary support to contend for championships, potentially hindering his ability to thrive in Los Angeles.

Therefore, the Lakers would be wise to explore trade options for Davis if James chooses to leave, as part of a strategic effort to initiate a rebuild and establish a new foundation for success. While Davis has undoubtedly proven his value as a franchise player, his long-term health and the team's overall competitiveness must be carefully considered in any decision-making process.

However, if James opts to remain with the Lakers, the team should prioritize retaining Davis and strategically rebuilding the roster to maximize their collective potential. By making informed decisions about their future direction, the Lakers can position themselves for sustained success, whether with or without their superstar duo intact.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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