Los Angeles Lakers dismiss head coach Darvin Ham following two seasons – NBC Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Lakers made a bold move on Friday, firing head coach Darvin Ham after two seasons with the team. Despite leading the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals in his first year, Ham’s coaching style and decisions came under scrutiny during his second season, ultimately leading to his dismissal.

Ham, who was hired in 2022 after the departure of former head coach Frank Vogel, faced criticism for his fluctuating rotations, poor game plans, lack of in-game adjustments, and defensive strategies. The tension between Ham and the players reached a breaking point during a game against the L.A. Clippers, where players reportedly took matters into their own hands to secure a win.

The Lakers’ disappointing playoff exit at the hands of the Denver Nuggets was the final straw for the organization. Despite leading for a significant portion of the series, the Lakers failed to make the necessary adjustments to stop the Nuggets’ late-game offense, leading to their early elimination.

With LeBron James approaching the later stages of his career, the Lakers are keen on finding a coach who can lead them to another championship. The team is considering veteran coaches like Mike Budenholzer and Terry Stotts, as well as internal options like assistant coach Phil Handy.

The decision to part ways with Ham could have implications on James’ pending free agency, as the Lakers aim to build a championship-caliber team around their star player. As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on the Lakers as they search for a new head coach to guide them to success in the upcoming season.