The Los Angeles Lakers announced the dismissal of head coach Darvin Ham on Friday, just four days after the team’s elimination from the NBA playoffs by Denver.
In his two seasons at the helm, Ham compiled a record of 90-74 with the Lakers. However, the team faced a sweep by eventual NBA champions Denver in last year’s Western Conference final and suffered elimination in five games by the Nuggets in this season’s first round.
“We greatly appreciate Darvin’s efforts on behalf of the Lakers and recognize the many accomplishments achieved over the past two seasons, including last year’s remarkable run to the Western Conference finals,” Lakers vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said
“While this was a difficult decision to make, it is the best course of action following a full review of the season. This organization will remain unwavering in its commitment to deliver championship-caliber basketball to Lakers fans around the world.”
Apart from the impending decision on their next head coach, the Lakers also grapple with uncertainty surrounding the future of superstar LeBron James. A four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, James has the option to opt out of his contract for the next season.
“I’ve seen, heard a lot of reports about my future. I said it last night and I’ll say it again. I do not know yet as I’m only thinking about spending time with my family & friends! When I know after speaking with the fam, my counsel as well as my representation about it then you guys will know. Until then. Love,” James tweeted
James has expressed his desire to play alongside his son Bronny next season, who has decided to enter next month’s NBA Draft.
At the age of 39, four-time NBA champion James remains a formidable presence on the court, leading the Lakers with averages of 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.
During the season, the Lakers achieved a record of 47-35, securing a victory in the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament, now known as the NBA Cup. They secured a playoff spot against Denver by defeating New Orleans in the play-in round.
James appeared in 71 games this season, while his All-Star teammate Anthony Davis played 76, marking their highest combined number of games since joining forces with the Lakers in 2018. Davis averaged 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game.
Both James and Davis have contract opt-out clauses, and if they were to depart, it would leave the Lakers facing a significant rebuilding phase.
Ham, a former NBA forward who won a championship with Detroit in 2004, previously served as a Lakers assistant coach from 2011 to 2013.
After four seasons as an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks, where he contributed to their 2021 NBA title, Ham was appointed as Lakers head coach in June 2022, succeeding the dismissed Frank Vogel.
The Lakers encountered challenges in Ham’s first season, but a mid-season overhaul, including the addition of Rui Hachimura and D’Angelo Russell in supporting roles, propelled the team to the 2023 playoffs, where they eliminated Memphis and Golden State before ultimately falling to the Nuggets.
