The Los Angeles Lakers have parted ways with their head coach Darvin Ham after two seasons, as confirmed by the team on Friday. The decision comes after the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets. Ham took over as head coach in 2022 and led the team to the Western Conference Finals in his first season. However, this season, the Lakers had a rollercoaster ride, starting with a perfect 7-0 record and winning the inaugural in-season tournament, but then losing 12 of their next 17 games. Despite making it to the playoffs, they were eliminated by the Nuggets in five games.
The Lakers’ Vice President, Rob Pelinka, issued a statement thanking Ham for his efforts and dedication but stated that the decision was made after a full review of the season. The team will now begin searching for their 29th coach in franchise history.
Ham’s tenure was marked by some controversy, with star player Anthony Davis seemingly criticizing Ham’s coaching after a heartbreaking loss in Game 2. LeBron James was also visibly upset after the game, questioning the officiating and walking out of a post-game interview. The tension between Ham and the players was evident, with chants of “Fire Darvin Ham!” erupting during Game 3.
Despite the challenges, Ham’s coaching career has been marked by success, including winning a championship with the Detroit Pistons as a player in 2004 and an NBA championship as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021.
The search for a new head coach is already underway, with several candidates being considered, including JJ Redick, James Borrego, and Sam Cassell. The Lakers will be looking for a coach who can bring fresh ideas and lead the team to success in the highly competitive Western Conference.
In other Lakers news, LeBron James’ future with the team remains uncertain, with some speculating that he may not return next season. The Lakers will be hoping to resolve this situation soon and find a new head coach who can work with James and the rest of the team to achieve success.
