"Darvin Ham and Ad really were the problem": Lakers fans blast former coach as JJ Redick's team eclipse Nuggets in standings

The LA Lakers needed a win over the LA Clippers to secure the second spot in the Western Conference standings. The opportunity to climb up opened up after the Denver Nuggets suffered a 110-103 loss to the Boston Celtics, dropping to a 39-22 record.

Prior to the game against the Clippers, the Lakers held on to third place with a 37-21 record. The Purple and Gold seized on the opportunity to climb up in the standings by defeating the Clippers 108-102 at home, improving to a 38-21 record on the season.

Fans on X were buzzing with excitement as Lakers continued to march on with another emphatic victory. Many supporters criticized the team's former coach, Darvin Ham, while praising coach JJ Redick for turning the team's fortunes around.

"Dont let them fake like it was only cuz of the Luka trade either. This team before the trade was 4-6t seed and out of the play in completely. With Ham they never were above the 7th seed. Darvin Ham easily one of the worst NBA head coaches ever," a fan commented.

"Damn. Darvin Ham and Ad really were the problem," a user wrote.

"Ham was so bad it was obvious," a fan wrote.

"They tried to say Russ wasn’t the problem. They tried to say DLo wasn’t the problem. They tried to say ham wasn’t the problem. Those narratives evaporated with no accountability now," wrote another fan.

"Darvin Ham was a problem. They don't have the exact same roster for that to be the only diff. They Dlo trade was great. They're healthy with Luka damn Doncic," a fan said.

"I remember loud and clear. It was so painfully obvious too," said another fan.

JJ Redick reacts to Lakers moving up in standings

Coach JJ Redick was asked about his thoughts on the Lakers moving up to the second spot in the Western Conference standings. Redick responded honestly, emphasizing that his primary goal is to ensure the team secures a playoff spot and avoids being in the play-in range.

"I want to make the playoffs," Redick said. "I don’t want to be a Play-In. That’s all. Until that is secured, the seeding thought won’t cross my mind."

Next, the Lakers will face the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. The Purple and Gold will aim to extend their win streak to seven games in this matchup.