The Los Angeles Lakers were expected to cruise past a Memphis Grizzlies team missing several core players, but the reality turned out far more troubling. Despite both LeBron James and Anthony Davis suiting up, the Lakers shockingly trailed in the third quarter. According to Melbet Login reports, this unexpected scenario left fans stunned and fearing the worst — another humiliating collapse. Thankfully, James took matters into his own hands in the final quarter, using his signature drives to steady the team and seal a narrow, hard-fought win.

Still, the game was labeled an “embarrassing victory” by Lakers officials — a rare and brutal self-assessment. With the play-in and postseason looming, their current form is raising red flags. Many fans are now openly questioning the team’s direction, and much of the blame is falling on head coach Darvin Ham, whose questionable decisions left the team teetering on the edge of disaster.

First, Ham’s defensive game plan was baffling. It allowed Memphis — not exactly known for long-range prowess — to treat the matchup like a three-point shooting drill. In a previous game against the Warriors, Lakers players revealed they were instructed by Ham to give Golden State space from deep, a strategy that proved equally puzzling. Shockingly, the same approach was used against the Grizzlies, leading to a disastrous third-quarter run where Memphis overtook the Lakers.

Second, Ham’s in-game adjustments — or lack thereof — were glaring. He remained passive through much of the game, only picking up the clipboard and discussing tactics with bench players during garbage time when the result was already decided. This strange timing drew sharp criticism from players and fans alike. As Melbet Login noted, LeBron James himself expressed frustration with the team’s lack of preparation and decision-making, stating that they were on the brink of a total meltdown.

Another major point of contention was Ham’s stubborn use of the Reaves-Gabe Vincent-Prince trio, a combination that repeatedly failed to contain opposing scorers. This trio became a defensive liability — practically an open invitation for the Grizzlies to score at will. What baffled observers even more was Ham’s decision to bench D’Angelo Russell for long stretches. As the team’s third-best offensive option behind James and Davis, sidelining Russell felt like shooting themselves in the foot.

Many around the league are now calling Ham one of the weakest head coaches currently in the NBA. Critics have noted that aside from standing on the sidelines chewing gum with arms crossed, he contributes little in terms of tactical insight or game management. Melbet Login insiders observed that even timeouts, typically used to regroup and strategize, seem to be meaningless under Ham’s leadership — often wasted without any clear adjustments.

If the Lakers hope to make any meaningful noise in the postseason, something has to give. Either the coaching staff must adapt, or the team risks squandering its superstar talent and enduring yet another playoff disappointment.