Why Darvin Ham Thinks the Current Team Is Superior to the Conference Finalists in 2023.
Your Los Angeles Lakers are on a roll, picking up two big wins against two top Western Conference opponents: the Dallas Mavericks, and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Much of their transformation across the past two games can be attributed to the improved health of Jarred Vanderbilt, whom Darvin Ham recently referred to as being back in “game shape,” as while he’s been playing for the past few weeks, his impact has been far smaller than it was last season.
His defensive impact, ability to run the floor, and athleticism, are difference-makers, enhancing LA’s strengths of defense and transition offense.
This, combined with a red-hot D’Angelo Russell, has made LA look like a completely different team. In the month of January, D’Lo is averaging 21 points on an absurd 50% from the field and 45% from 3-point range. As a third option, those are some of the best numbers in the league.
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