A usual press briefing for Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham took an unexpected turn into a somewhat embarrassing admission when Ham was questioned about his strategy to defend against Denver Nuggets’ standout Nikola Jokić. Instead of skirting the issue or providing a standard response, Ham chose to take the path of straightforward honesty.

“[Jokić’s] become extremely efficient, like when he’s manning their offense, he knows how to kill you in a variety of different ways,” Ham told reporters after the Lakers’ 114-103 Game 1 loss in the playoff series against the Nuggets. “Just gotta put constant pressure on him—and that doesn’t seem to bother him either. Taller than everybody. Wingspan, skillset. I don’t know what to do.”

In Ham’s defense, coaches across the league have long struggled to find effective strategies against Nikola Jokić. The Denver Nuggets’ formidable center, poised to secure his third MVP award in the last four years, possesses a versatile skill set that encompasses high basketball IQ passes, smooth floaters, and adept putbacks.

During last year’s Western Conference Finals, Jokić achieved a triple-double average in a sweep of the Lakers, and this season, he has shown no signs of slowing down. Following a commanding performance in the series opener, Jokić’s imposing offensive prowess has put added pressure on the Lakers’ defense.

Leading up to Game 2 on Monday night, Ham’s candid response regarding the Lakers’ plans to defend Jokić sparked numerous jokes and pointed criticisms from NBA fans.