Darvin Ham, Lakers' assistant coach, addresses the team's persistent struggle with defending the 3-point line, emphasizing the need to improve defensive rotations and closeouts. Despite the Lakers' proficiency in 3-point shooting themselves, their reluctance to take many attempts leaves them vulnerable to opponents' long-range scoring. Ham underscores the importance of stopping penetration in the paint to prevent kick-out opportunities for open shooters, advocating for proactive defensive positioning to limit opponents' 3-point attempts. With the upcoming matchup against the Golden State Warriors, renowned for their prolific 3-point shooting led by Stephen Curry, Ham emphasizes the need for disciplined defensive execution to contain their perimeter threats effectively. The Lakers' defensive performance against the Warriors will serve as a litmus test for their ability to implement Ham's defensive adjustments and shore up their vulnerabilities beyond the arc.

Ahead of the Lakers' critical matchup against the Warriors, Darvin Ham underscores the significance of the game, emphasizing its pivotal role in the team's postseason aspirations. Highlighting the importance of defensive adjustments and strategic preparation to counter the Warriors' offensive firepower, Ham emphasizes the need for heightened defensive intensity and execution. Confident in the Lakers' ability to compete against the Warriors, Ham expresses optimism about the team's chances and the positive energy during practice sessions. As the Lakers aim to solidify their playoff positioning, their performance against the Warriors will be indicative of their readiness to contend against top-tier competition and their ability to address defensive deficiencies.