The Los Angeles Lakers closed the regular season on a positive note defeating Utah Jazz in the last game. The win confirmed their 7th position in the western conference and the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, there was a clash among the Timberwolves’ teammates which led to the suspension of one player. Reportedly the player suspended was French professional Rudy Gobert. He had a disagreement with his teammate Kyle Anderson and ended up punching him in the chest during a time-out.
It was a massive blow before the play-in tournament for the Timberwolves, as Rudy was an important asset. After the incident, Rudy was taken to the locker room and finally sent home. In various interviews, the Wolves coach reflected that they would not have condoned such behavior from any player. Although Gobert is a veteran and could have been crucial for the contest against the Lakers, the suspension was unavoidable. The Frenchman later apologized for his action, saying emotions got the best of him.
But now the question remains what it will mean for the Lakers in the upcoming game? Their opponent is one key player short of the crucial matchup, which will decide the upcoming chain of events. The Lakers might think of resting their superstars, but coach Darvin Ham has something different to say ahead of the game.
To Ham, These Circumstances Does Not Matter
Darvin Ham has come a long way now, from suffering consecutive losses to one of the best 16-8 stints in the last month. The performance displayed by his team after the trade deadline suggests that depth was the only trouble team faced. The last few months proved that the team and the coach are world-class and well-capable in winning the title. Therefore it is important to know how Darvin will approach this situation and the upcoming game.
According to his recent interview, Ham does not care about the situation on the other team. He said, “I don’t think it’s a distraction, It’s not Laker business, and we’re all focused on Lakers business.” Listening to his statements seems like the team will come on the Wolves with all their firepower.
Coach Changing His Plan After Recent Turnarounds?
In the same interview, Ham was asked about any changes he would make looking at the new situation. But Ham’s reply remains the same. It does not matter the external factors. Ham just wants to rest his players and get them ready for any 48 minutes, be it against anybody in the league.
However, realistically, there might be some relief in the Lakers’ locker room. But even without Rudy, the Timberwolves do not actually fall short of the star power. Even James understands the threat Anthony Edward and Karl Anthony hold combined. Therefore the Lakers are not all the way clear to the playoffs, but they will surely have the upper hand.
