Darvin Ham head coach of Lakers loses a huge contract with

Darvin Ham, the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, openly criticized the officials for their perceived “inconsistency” following the team’s 123-113 loss to the Phoenix Suns. In this defeat, the Lakers only attempted eight free throws, a season low that equaled their lowest since LeBron James joined the team. Additionally, the Lakers did not have a single free throw attempt in the second half, while the Suns managed 19 throughout the game.

Ham, while acknowledging that he typically avoids blaming referees, expressed frustration with what he perceived as inconsistent calls. He noted that Lakers players were experiencing contact similar to what the team was supposedly committing, but the referees were not making those calls.

LeBron James, the leading scorer with 28 points in the game, made light of the situation, laughing off the notion that the Lakers solely rely on free throws. He emphasized the team’s attacking style, stating that working the ball into the paint is a strength, but acknowledged the lack of free throw attempts as unusual for the team.

Despite the focus on free throws, the Lakers faced various challenges in the loss, including the Suns’ impressive shooting performance, with all five starters scoring at least 18 points. The Lakers, now with a 31-28 record for the season, have encountered difficulties since the All-Star break, losing two of their last three games. The frustration with officiating, as expressed by Ham, adds to the team’s concerns, which go beyond the issue of free throws.