As the 2023-24 NBA season unfolded, the Los Angeles Lakers faced high expectations with star players LeBron James and Anthony Davis, coupled with their impressive performance in the previous season’s Western Conference Finals under first-year coach Darvin Ham. The Lakers added to the anticipation by winning the inaugural in-season tournament. However, they have struggled to meet those expectations so far, raising doubts about Ham’s job security. The month of March becomes crucial for Ham’s future with the Lakers.

While the Lakers had some positive moments this season, including a strong record in February, their path to a guaranteed playoff spot remаins uncertain. Failure to secure a higher seed or perform well in the play-in tournament could jeopardize Ham’s position. Reports suggest that Ham is not in immediate dаnger of being fired before the season’s end, but failing to make the playoffs could change that. Additionally, there are rumors of a strained relationship between Ham and the team’s veteran players, notably LeBron James.

The Lakers face a challenging schedule in March, including a demanding road trip against formidable opponents such as the Bucks, Pacers, Nets, and Raptors. Playing desperate teams on the road adds to the difficulty. Prior to the road trip, they also had tough matchups against teams like the Timberwolves, Warriors, 76ers, and Pacers. Several of these teams have better records than the Lakers, making it challenging to string together victories.

Considering the current situation, it becomes uncertain whether the Lakers will make the playoffs and secure Ham’s position for the next season. The pressure on Ham is evident, and he has little room for error. The Lakers have shown promise in recent weeks, but much work remаins to be done. Ham’s fate as a coach will likely be determined by their performance against the demanding March schedule.