The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant change within their organization, as they have decided to part ways with head coach Darvin Ham. This move comes following the Lakers conducted an extensive evaluation of their season, which ended in a first-round elimination from the NBA playoffs at the hands of the Denver Nuggets.
The decision to fire Ham was made following consultations with the team’s players and a thorough examination of the season. The Lakers are determined to maximize the championship potential of superstar players LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and they believe that a coaching change is necessary to achieve that goal.
Ham’s job security had been in doubt for some time, especially following the Lakers finished in eighth place in the regular season and were swept by the Nuggets in last year’s Western Conference finals. During his two-year tenure, Ham’s record with the Lakers was 90-74 in the regular season and 9-12 in the postseason.
The Lakers originally hired Ham in May 2022, bringing him back to the franchise where he had previously served as an assistant coach from 2011 to 2013. He signed a four-year contract worth approximately $5 million per season, and the team will now assume the remainder of his contract.
With the Lakers’ coaching vacancy now a top priority, three early candidates have emerged as potential replacements. LA Clippers coach Tyronn Lue might become a candidate if he and the Clippers part ways following a potential first-round exit. Charles Lee, an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics, is also an option, according to league sources.
Another potential candidate for the Lakers is Mike Budenholzer, a highly successful coach who recently led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship in 2021. Budenholzer is known for his defensive-minded approach and has a record of 484-317 as a head coach.
Tyronn Lue is an intriguing option for the Lakers, especially considering his previous coaching experience with LeBron James. Lue guided the Cleveland Cavaliers to a championship in 2016 and has achieved success as both a player and a coach. His offensive-minded approach and ability to navigate the pressures of coaching a superstar player make him a strong candidate.
J.J. Redick, a former NBA veteran who recently retired, has also emerged as a coaching candidate. Despite lacking professional coaching experience, Redick is highly regarded for his basketball knowledge, intelligence, competitiveness, and communication skills. His successful podcast, “The Old Man and the Three,” has further bolstered his reputation.
Kenny Atkinson, who previously served as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, is also a potential candidate. Considered one of the top assistant coaches in the league, Atkinson has drawn interest from multiple teams in recent years.
The Lakers are expected to explore various coaching prospects and conduct interviews in the coming days. This coaching search marks the beginning of a crucial offseason for the franchise, with the future of LeBron James remaining an important factor.
In conclusion, the decision to fire Darvin Ham as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers signifies a significant change for the organization. The Lakers are determined to maximize the championship window of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, leading them to explore potential coaching candidates such as Tyronn Lue, Charles Lee, Mike Budenholzer, J.J. Redick, and Kenny Atkinson. As the Lakers embark on a new coaching search, the outcome of this decision will shape the franchise’s future and its ability to compete for a championship.