Overview

• LeBron James defended Lakers' head coach Darvin Ham after an incident in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers where it appeared James subbed himself out.
• James clarified on Instagram that Ham had instructed him to commit a foul and then call a timeout, indicating that he was being subbed out.
• Despite the Lakers' win against the Trail Blazers, fans criticized Ham, with some calling for his firing.
• James was a key player in the Lakers' victory, scoring 28 points, and five rebounds and assists each.
• The Lakers are currently struggling with a 22-22 record, sitting in the ninth spot in the Western Conference.