Darvin Ham
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - Head coach Darvin Ham of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game five of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Chase Center on May 10, 2023 in San Francisco, California. Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

With the highly anticipated Western Conference Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets looming, Lakers coach Darvin Ham is probably mapping out a plan to stop or even slow down two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who has been dominant this postseason.

Lakers Coach Darvin Ham Bares Plan to Stop Nikola Jokic

With the Nuggets slightly favored to win the series, Ham joked that they may have to "try to catch him out of his house and kidnap [Jokic]."

Ham's comments elicited various responses from fans, with some responding with memes.

The rookie coach has previously stated his admiration for the Serbian's talent. After eliminating the defending champions Golden State Warriors, last Friday, Ham knew that another difficult task was on hand.

"We already know that monster in that Rocky mountains is waiting for us," the Lakers coach said, referring to Jokic.

As a first-time head coach, Ham has led the Lakers to their first Conference Finals appearance since 2020 after a rocky 2-10 start this season.

Acquisitions during the trade deadline greatly enhanced the Lakers' roster, allowing them to move up in the standings and qualify for the play-in tournament.

The Lakers also faced the Nuggets in the NBA bubble during the 2020 Western Conference Finals, winning the series in five games.

Although only five players remain from both rosters today, the series was memorable for Anthony Davis' game-winning three-pointer over Nikola Jokic in Game 2.