The Los Angeles Lakers have fired coach Darvin Ham after just two seasons with the team. The decision comes after a disappointing season in which the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets. Despite leading the team to the Western Conference finals in his first season as head coach, Ham’s tenure with the Lakers has come to an end. General manager Rob Pelinka cited the need for championship-caliber basketball and a full review of the season as reasons for the coaching change.
The Lakers finished the regular season with a 47-35 record and won the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament. They secured the seventh seed in the Western Conference after winning a play-in game against New Orleans. However, they were unable to advance past Denver in the playoffs, ultimately being swept in the first round. Despite the presence of stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the team struggled to make a deep playoff run and faced criticism for coaching decisions and player rotations throughout the season.
Ham’s coaching decisions, particularly during a 3-10 stretch immediately after the In-Season Tournament, came under scrutiny from fans and observers. The team’s inability to secure a top-6 seed in the West was seen as a missed opportunity given the talent on the roster. The frustration was evident among players, with Davis voicing concerns about the team’s performance and lack of consistency on both ends of the floor. The Lakers had hoped for more success with James and Davis healthy for most of the season.
Despite the disappointing end to the season, Ham had led the Lakers to the conference finals in his first year as head coach. The team had beaten Minnesota, Memphis, and Golden State in the playoffs before being swept by Denver. However, they have struggled to make an impact in the playoffs since winning the championship in 2020. With two years left on his contract, Ham’s departure marks the fourth coaching change for the Lakers since James joined the team in 2018. The search for a new head coach will be crucial as the team looks to return to championship contention.
James’ future with the Lakers remains uncertain, as he has a player option for next season worth $51.4 million. His decision will have a significant impact on the team’s offseason strategy, as they look to potentially add a third superstar through trades or build around existing role players. Pelinka will have to weigh the options and determine the best path forward for the team, as they aim to deliver championship-caliber basketball to their fans. The coaching change is just one step in the Lakers’ journey back to the top of the NBA.
