The Los Angeles Lakers parted methods this summer season with their former head coach Darvin Ham after two years on the helm of the franchise. Ham went 90-74 within the common season with two playoff appearances, each ending in losses to the Denver Nuggets within the Western Convention Finals and First Spherical, respectively.
On paper, that is not essentially a nasty two-year resume for a brand new head coach. He gained extra video games than he misplaced, made the playoffs twice and got here near 4 NBA Finals victories. Nonetheless, Ham struggled to get full buy-in from the locker room and wasted two unbelievable campaigns from LeBron James and an elite yr from a wholesome Anthony Davis.
These items finally led to his firing and return to the Milwaukee Bucks as an assistant coach beneath Doc Rivers. And in his first public remark because the firing, he remained optimistic whereas sustaining the idea that he improved the Lakers throughout his tenure, in keeping with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin:
“The state of the crew once they employed me, to the day they fired me, I prefer to suppose it is improved. And that’s all I care about,” Ham, who was employed by Rivers in June, mentioned Thursday. “I put my coronary heart and soul into this crew attempting to enhance it from the place it was – 33-49. And to get to the Western Convention finals in a yr, the blokes have to learn financially. To have that pleasure subsequent yr, to be derailed by accidents, and nonetheless handle to win the season match and make the playoffs, I thank God on daily basis.
“Once more, I’m fully grateful. I want this franchise the very best. I am not imply, offended, or bitter about something. Some individuals have sure opinions and they’re opinions, however for those who actually take a look at the details, I haven’t got a lot to say personally. So, that is it.
Ham and the Lakers do not appear to have a nasty relationship. But it surely was clear he was now not working because the franchise’s head coach. Ham landed in a strong scenario with a well-recognized franchise, and the Lakers moved ahead with somebody they consider is a greater match for his or her roster, JJ Redick.
Doc Rivers does not perceive Lakers’ Darvin Ham firing
After a Western Convention Finals run the yr earlier than, Darvin Ham appeared to have constructed a strong basis with the Lakers, however his questionable decision-making and lack of tactical acumen largely contributed to his dismissal. A five-game loss to the Denver Nuggets within the first spherical of the 2024 NBA Playoffs was sufficient for the group to let go of Ham.
All through the season, it felt like Ham’s grip on the job was loosening as gamers seemingly started to disregard him. LeBron James reportedly even misplaced religion in Ham, maybe the most important indictment concerning his tenure with the Lakers.
Ham lastly landed on his toes, agreeing to turn into an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks beneath Doc Rivers. Earlier than their preseason sport Thursday night, Rivers expressed confusion with Los Angeles’ choice to half methods with Ham.
Do you could have subscribed to our YouTube channel? It is one of the simplest ways to look at participant interviews, unique occasion protection, take part in stay broadcasts and rather more!
