The Los Angeles Lakers have officially parted ways with head coach Darvin Ham and are now embarking on an extensive coaching search.
Two names that have emerged as potential candidates are former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer and former Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson, according to reports from The Athletic.
The Lakers have parted ways with the entire coaching staff beyond Darvin Ham, sources told ESPN, including Phil Handy – who coached under both Ham and Frank Vogel in L.A. The L.A. Times was first to report.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 3, 2024
Budenholzer, who led the Bucks to an NBA championship in 2021, was fired two seasons later after failing to replicate that success. During his tenure in Milwaukee, he had a winning record of 271-120 and led the team to five consecutive Central Division titles.
However, his playoff success was mixed, with only two conference finals appearances and several early exits. Budenholzer has also been named NBA Coach of the Year twice and has won four championships as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs.
Atkinson, who is currently an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors, was previously the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets. Although he didn’t have great results with a depleted roster, Atkinson did lead the Nets to the playoffs in 2019.
He ultimately stepped down as head coach during the 2019-20 season but later accepted a deal to become the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets before backing out and returning to the Warriors.
The Lakers’ coaching search is crucial as they approach the end of LeBron James’ career. In order to give him a final shot at a championship, the franchise will need to make the right coaching hire.
Various potential candidates have been mentioned, including Mark Jackson, Dave Joerger, Phil Handy, and Doc Rivers.
The Lakers are currently struggling with a negative record and a middling offense and defense. The team’s poor performance has led to tensions in the locker room, with blame falling on Darvin Ham.
Critics argue that his decision-making and the team’s lack of effort have been major issues.
Despite the struggles, LeBron James has been playing at a high level, and Anthony Davis has stepped up in recent games. However, the team has failed to consistently outscore opponents and has struggled when Davis is off the court.
With the team in a downward spiral, the pressure is mounting on Ham. The Lakers are known for their demanding culture and high expectations, and a coaching change may be on the horizon.
Other potential candidates include Chris Jent, Jared Dudley, Monty Williams, and Mike D’Antoni.
The Lakers’ coaching search has become a focal point as the team looks to turn their season around and give LeBron James a chance at another championship before his career comes to an end.
Fans reacted as follows:
No Handy??? The only coach players would actually talk to and has been a developmental coach for years… pic.twitter.com/VXAOWTLjNU
— Ethan Price (@Paradox_EP) May 3, 2024
This doesn’t necessarily mean that Phil won’t be back though. If the new coach decides to add him back to the staff, like Darvin did, then he’s good to go..
— Stace 💜💛 (@DSTacey1913) May 3, 2024
Good, Phil Handy's last name has always been offensive & insensitive to people without arms, like me.
— Barry (@BarryOnHere) May 3, 2024
Now this is sad … no🥺😩😩😩 Not Phil Handy he deserved to keep his job…. The rest could go tho
— Raquel 🫶🏾 (@SOULbeautifulme) May 3, 2024
GOOD! I’m tired of the “just hire Phil handy” people. I want to see new faces especially in management. Rob needs to be replaced with bob myers asap
— 😈 (@rocketmann34) May 3, 2024
Thought this was standard. The next HC can choose to bring them back but you don’t hold onto assistants during the HC search
— Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT (@3cbPerformance) May 3, 2024
Lebron owns the lakers. JJ Redick is your next HC
— The One Memorabilia Group (@1of1MemGroup) May 4, 2024
Not honestly mad at this, a rebuild is in place we need to redo the Los Angeles Lakers brand. Too many guys have tarnished the name, WE HAVEN’T HAD A FRANCHISE PLAYER SINCE 1996.
It’s honestly disgusting what this franchise has become, Rob Pelinka & the Buss family starting to…
— BKS (@BKSecretsports) May 3, 2024
LeBron made them get rid of Phil too. Smh
— Brad Altman (@brad_altman) May 3, 2024
Wow, but this still means Phil Handy can be rehired again by the next head coach.
— Mr. Unbiased (@UnbiasedHoopsLA) May 3, 2024
There's nothing wrong absolutely with sacking the entire coaching crew put together by Darvin, it will give room for a fresh start
— Otuene Claude Claude (@otuene_claude) May 3, 2024
Lakers front office made a terrible decision by letting Phil Handy go smh……..
— Terrence Mayberry (@TerrenceMayber1) May 3, 2024
Hate this decision of them letting go Phil Handy but it’s a business decision unfortunately
— AJ (@ElNinja_23) May 3, 2024
Phil Handy should return, and he most likely will.
— 🐲 Matt Burgdorff 🐲 (@MattBurgdorff) May 3, 2024
