Darvin Ham’s job security with the Los Angeles Lakers came into question following the team’s early exit from the NBA playoffs at the hands of the Denver Nuggets. After much speculation, the Lakers officially parted ways with Ham after just two seasons as head coach. The decision came amidst uncertainty about superstar LeBron James’ future with the team, as he refused to commit to returning for the 2024-25 season following the playoff loss to Denver. The next head coach of the Lakers will need to make the most of the final chapter of Ham’s coaching career, should he decide to remain with the team.
Amid rumors of LeBron James potentially leaving the Lakers, Tyronne Lue and J.J. Redick have emerged as top contenders for the head coaching job. Both Lue and Redick have connections to James, with Lue having coached him to an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Redick serving as James’ podcast co-host. Despite having two years remaining on his contract, the Lakers chose to part ways with Darvin Ham following a regular season record of 90-74, with an 11-12 record under Ham’s guidance. Ham reflected on his time with the team, expressing a mix of pride for their achievements and disappointment for falling short of winning the ultimate prize.
Replacing Frank Vogel in 2022, Darvin Ham faced a challenging task in leading the Lakers to success. Vogel had overseen a disappointing season in 2021-22, where the team failed to qualify for the postseason. However, Vogel also led the Lakers to an NBA title in 2020 inside the NBA bubble. Despite a slow start in Ham’s first season, the Lakers made significant moves leading up to the trade deadline that helped propel them to the Western Conference Finals. Ham also guided the team to a championship in the NBA’s first-ever In-Season tournament in December, showcasing his ability to achieve success in different formats.
The decision to let go of Darvin Ham as head coach of the Lakers comes at a pivotal time for the franchise, with uncertainties surrounding LeBron James’ future with the team. While James did not commit to returning for the next season, the Lakers are tasked with finding a new head coach who can maximize the potential of the roster and bring success to the organization. Tyronne Lue and J.J. Redick have been mentioned as potential candidates for the role, given their ties to James and experience in the league. The Lakers will need to move quickly to make a decision that sets them on a path towards continued competitiveness in the NBA.
As Darvin Ham reflects on his time with the Lakers, he acknowledges the highs and lows of his tenure as head coach. Despite falling short of winning the ultimate prize, Ham’s leadership guided the team to notable achievements, including a championship in an In-Season tournament and a successful record in the regular season. With his departure from the Lakers, the franchise looks to the future, aiming to build on the foundation laid by Ham and his coaching staff. The transition to a new head coach marks a new chapter for the team, where the focus will be on driving success and pursuing excellence in pursuit of an NBA title.
