Lakers’ Darvin Ham explains next area of development for Maxwell Lewis
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham has been impressed thus far by Maxwell Lewis and believes the former Pepperdine forward can have a long and successful career in the NBA.
Lewis was drafted with the 40th pick by the Lakers after averaging 17.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists last season as a sophomore. He was named to the All-West Coast Conference second team and finished sixth in the conference in scoring.
The 6-foot-7 forward dazzled in college with his scoring and overall ability. He has the physical tools to be productive with the Lakers and projects to eventually be a rotation player in the NBA.
“I think he has a really, really special gift in terms of his talent, athleticism and his physical structure,” Ham said on Wednesday. “He is quick. He is athletic. He can play lateral (and) vertical.”
Lewis logged his third appearance of the preseason on Wednesday. He recorded seven points, one assist and one block in a 109-101 win over the Sacramento Kings in Anaheim, California. He went 3-of-5 from the field in 15 minutes off the bench.
Maxwell Lewis defensive potential. Check the closeout & the block on Monk. pic.twitter.com/sXJSTJfPmU
— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) October 12, 2023
He is averaging 7.3 points and one assist on 4-of-6 shooting from 3-point range so far in the preseason. He has had some strong moments in a small sample size on both sides of the floor but will need more reps to be a consistent contributor.
Ham explained his next area of development.
He is just in that phase where he needs to slow down a little bit. There is a lot of speed in our game but you can’t go fast each and every possession. It is more about reading things quick, doing your work early and in a quick fashion, getting to your spots quick, and then being patient — allowing plays to materialize.
Once you settle down and slow down, things start to happen. You can see moves that are going to present themselves 2-3 seconds or 2-3 passes before it actually happens. He is in that phase right now but we want him to play through it. He is going to be an exciting player. As long as he continues to work like he is working … he’ll have a very long career, I’m sure.
Lewis inked a four-year contract with the first two years guaranteed. The organization certainly believes he has a bright future ahead and will look to work with him to get him up to speed quickly.
The Lakers continue the preseason on Friday versus Golden State.
