Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham addressed recent comments made by guard D’Angelo Russell regarding their communication dynamics during the previous season.
Russell had expressed frustrations, suggesting that his relationship with Ham was hindered by the dynamics of other player-coach relationships within the team, particularly with Dennis Schroder.
In response, Ham acknowledged the challenges in building relationships, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the process.
“We have great conversations,” Ham said, per Jovan Buha. “Great text exchanges after games. During the game our in-game conversations. … It’s tough. That’s why the phrase is called ‘building a relationship.’ It doesn’t hit the ground running all the time smooth. Trying to figure things out on the fly.
“And yeah, Dennis is someone I love and care about. Dennis is a helluva player. But just trying to learn Lo on the fly and figure things out. Then, for him, the beautiful thing about it I think that caused the difference in where we were then and where we are now is our ability to talk and be honest with one another. And our ability to really take accountability with one another…
“It’s two grown men both caring about winning. Both trying to help one another figure this thing out. And who both want to get to the level we know we can get to. … But in terms of he and I, I think we’re in a great place right now. I’m sure he would agree.”
