The Los Angeles Lakers have a clear power struggle.
There have been multiple instances and clips showing that LeBron James has either called out or ignored coach Darvin Ham.
That was the case again in Game 4 vs. the Denver Nuggets.
With the Lakers up 15 points with nine minutes left to play in the fourth quarter, the referees called the Lakers for an out-of-bounds turnover, and James absolutely lost it when Darvin Ham decided not to challenge the play (via Complex Sports).
LeBron LOST IT on Darvin Ham when he didn’t challenge this call 👀 pic.twitter.com/LLLgu5toN8
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) April 28, 2024
James threw a huge tantrum on the sidelines.
The Lakers were facing elimination, so it’s normal to see that James was wearing his heart on his sleeve.
Then again, with the Nuggets storming back to beat them over and over, including a huge comeback win in Game 3, perhaps Ham was trying to save that challenge for a more crucial moment in the game, which also speaks volumes about his confidence — or lack thereof — in finishing the job.
This isn’t the first time that James has questioned his coach’s leadership, authority, or decision-making.
It’s not even a veteran thing, as he’s handled himself that way throughout the course of his entire career; which is one of the perks that comes with being one of the best to ever do it.
Still, it doesn’t seem like Ham can come back from something like this, not even if he pulls off the miracle of winning this series.
NEXT:
LeBron James Reacts To Lakers’ Game 4 Win Over Nuggets