Darvin Ham’s Job in Jeopardy if LA Fails to Win Game 5

The Los Angeles Lakers are still in the fight! After winning Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs, the Lakers have forced a Game 5 and will travel back to Denver to try and extend the series.

However, the pressure is on for head coach Darvin Ham. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Ham’s job may be on the line if the Lakers don’t perform well in Game 5. Wojnarowski mentioned on ESPN’s NBA Countdown that getting swept in the first round or losing in five games could lead to job security issues for Ham.

Despite leading the Lakers to a 90-74 record and two consecutive postseason appearances, including a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2023, Ham’s coaching decisions have come under scrutiny. The team, which had a promising offseason with key additions, underperformed in the 2023-2024 season due to what many believe were poor coaching decisions.

Injuries have also plagued the team, but the combination of Ham’s coaching and the injuries have put the Lakers in a tough spot. While it’s not entirely Ham’s fault, he may bear some responsibility for the team’s struggles.

The Lakers organization will have a tough decision to make regarding Ham’s future with the team. Whether they decide to part ways with him or give him another chance, the outcome of Game 5 could have a significant impact on the direction of the team moving forward. Stay tuned to see what unfolds in this high-stakes playoff series.