After the Lakers underperformed in this year’s playoff appearance, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Darvin Ham has been fired by the Lakers’ front office.
Lakers’ General Manager Rob Pelinka released a statement regarding Ham’s departure, thanking the head coach for his services. “We greatly appreciate Darvin’s efforts on behalf of the Lakers and recognize the many accomplishments achieved over the past two seasons…we all want to thank Darvin for his dedication and positivity.”
Despite getting the Lakers to a Western Conference Finals and two play-in victories, Ham was ultimately out-coached by his playoff counterpart going 1-8 in his last 9 playoff games.
There was also controversy surrounding the Lakers’ head coach all season, as there was reports of frustrations from the Lakers’ players.
It felt like it was a matter of time before the Lakers’ front office made this decision after Ham faced constant scrutiny for bizarre rotations, time-outs, or lack there of, and the infamous hands in the pockets allegations.
There were rumors that Phil Handy was a possible name to step in for Ham, but he, along with the rest of the coaching staff were let go.
Now, there is no definitive answer for who will be Ham’s predecessor, but there are a few candidates that could potentially fill the vacant roll.
Mike Budenholzer
“Coach Bud” has championship experience winning the title with the Milwaukee bucks in 2021. He was also named NBA coach of the year twice during his tenure with Milwaukee.
In 2023, the Bucks fired Budenholzer after a first exit to the Miami Heat, who would later go on to feature in the NBA finals.
Although it was his second straight season ending in disappointment, it is always a mystery as to why they would fire a coach after the delivery of a championship just two years earlier.
With that being said, Budenholzer has experience working with the NBA’s top talent, managing the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo. A skill that can’t be overlooked if the Lakers want a personality to mesh well with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Tyron Lue
After yet another abysmal playoff appearance for the Los Angeles Clippers, there are questions surrounding his future with L.A.
The Lakers have appeared as a favorite destination for the 2016 finals winner, leading the way for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
It is no secret that LeBron James and Ty Lue have had success in the past, but there is the question of whether it would work a second time around.
Although Lue’s contract runs throughout next season, there is pessimism that he will be around to coach the Clippers next season in their new arena.
Since Lue seemingly has the winning recipe with LeBron James, his presence can’t be overlooked to take the reins of the Los Angeles Lakers.
J.J. Redick
Although the 15-year NBA veteran has no coaching experience, his name has come up in the Los Angeles Lakers coaching carousel.
With LeBron James having a huge influence on who becomes the next head coach, given he stays with the team, Redick has a solid relationship with the 4-time NBA finals winner.
They also currently have a podcast, Mind The Game, where they discuss an array of basketball topics. Redick has been praised for his basketball knowledge in which Lebron attests to on multiple occasions during their conversations.
He has also showed off his immaculate IQ during countless nationally televised games, as an announcer for ESPN.
There is no doubt that LeBron James loves someone with basketball knowledge, and with them being closer than ever, his name will be at the top of their list.
With other names in the running such as Kenny Atkinson, Juwan Howard, and Terry Stotts. These three candidates seem to be the strongest given the Lakers’ superstar talent and LeBron James currently leading the way.
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