The Los Angeles Lakers dropped another game, this time against the Memphis Grizzlies, 127-113, on Friday, January 6, at the Crypto.com Arena.

The purple and gold were off to a good start with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, and Christian Woods combining to give the Lakers the lead at the end of the first period, 38-29.

However, the Grizzlies made a run although the Lakers managed to hang on to a one-point lead at the half. Memphis continued their surge in the second half and the Lakers just failed to match Memphis’ energy.

Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart buckled down to work, sinking all-important three-pointers as the Lakers’ energy faded.

“We just suck right now,” James said after another disappointing loss via the LA Times.

Darvin Ham in hot water

Even before the Lakers took the floor, Lakers coach Darvin Ham was already in the hot seat. Questions are up in the air on whether he is the right guy to call the shots for the Lakers, proof that frustration continues to grow from within.

The Lakers have won only three games since December 9 and the woes just keep on piling up.

“There’s a lot of people very frustrated. A lot of agents calling the front office frustrated about their guys not getting the right opportunities,” NBA Insider Jake Fischer said on a recent episode of the “No Cap Room podcast.

Aware of his predicament and the chatter, Ham addressed it before the Lakers faced the Grizzlies.

“It comes with the territory. I’m solid,” Ham said. “My governor, Jeanie Buss, the boss lady; our president, Robert Pelinka — we’re all aligned. As long as they’re not saying it, I guess I’m good. Which I know how they feel about me and the situation we’re currently in. So, we’re all on the same page. My two captains, I communicate with them. Our communication has been at a high level.”

However, another loss may change that narrative. Ham is drawing in more heat and things will only get worse as they prepare for their next assignment – the Los Angeles Clippers.

Lakers need much-needed win in ‘Battle of LA’

The Lakers face the Clippers on Sunday, January 7, at the Crypto.com Arena in a battle of two LA teams on different trajectories.

The Clips are enjoying a four-game winning run while the Lakers are on a three-game slide. The Lakers did win in their first meeting, 130-125, an overtime win last November. But a lot has changed since then, especially with James Harden finding his fit in the team.

It does not look good for the Lakers heading into the Clippers matchup. Another loss will further place Ham in dire straits – including the possibility of seeing him being handed the pink slip.