The Los Angeles Lakers fired their head coach Darvin Ham on May 3, after just two seasons at the helm.
Ham, an NBA veteran as a player and assistant coach, took charge of the Lakers in 2022. The primary reason for the firing seems to be the Lakers’ disappointing playoff performance in the 2024 season.
Lakers boasting a star-studded roster with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the team was eliminated in the first round by the Denver Nuggets in five games.
The Lakers are a historically successful franchise with a high bar for achievement. A first-round exit likely fell short of the expectations of ownership and the fanbase and it led to a coaching change.
With Ham’s departure, the Lakers will now be searching for a new head coach.
LeBron James is entering the final years of his career, and his championship aspirations will likely be a consideration for the Lakers in their coaching search. They’ll need someone who can not only build a winning team but also mesh well with James’ leadership and desire to win.
Darvin Ham’s NBA Career
Playing Career:
- He played for various teams including the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, and Detroit Pistons.
- He won an NBA championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004.
- He was primarily a role player, averaging 2.7 points and 2.3 rebounds per game throughout his career.
Coaching Career:
- He served as the Head Coach for the Los Angeles Lakers from 2022 to 2024.
- He served as an assistant coach for the Lakers, Atlanta Hawks, and Milwaukee Bucks before becoming the Lakers’ Head Coach.
- He won another NBA championship as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021.
