Lakers Dismiss Coach Ham Amid Locker Room Discord
The Los Angeles Lakers have made the decision to dismiss head coach Darvin Ham today, following their first-round playoff exit. The team is now on the lookout for a new head coach, aiming to maximize LeBron James’s potential in what could be the final chapter of his NBA career and to revive the Lakers’ glory days.
Ham’s Coaching Stint and Dismissal
Having led the Lakers for two seasons, Ham, aged 50, had two years remaining on his contract with the team. However, his tenure, which included a regular-season record of 90 wins and 74 losses and a playoff record of 9 wins and 12 losses, fell short of expectations. Despite guiding the team to the Western Conference Finals last year, the Lakers’ early playoff exit this year prompted the organization to part ways with him.
Statement from Lakers’ Management
In a statement, Rob Pelinka, Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations, expressed gratitude for Ham’s efforts and achievements over the past two seasons. Pelinka acknowledged Ham’s dedication and positive attitude but emphasized that the decision to dismiss him was made after a thorough review of the season and was deemed the best course of action for the team’s future success.
Complete Overhaul of Coaching Staff
In addition to dismissing Ham, sources informed ESPN that the Lakers have relieved the entire coaching staff of their duties, including assistant coach Phil Handy. Handy, who has been with the Lakers since Frank Vogel’s tenure, reportedly faced disconnects with players throughout the season, culminating in his departure.
Locker Room Discord and Lack of Confidence in Ham
According to Lakers Daily, many players had lost confidence in Ham, with reports of ongoing disconnects between him and the team throughout the season. The tipping point came after the Lakers’ loss in the second game of the first-round playoff series against the Nuggets, where Anthony Davis expressed frustration about the team’s performance. Ham’s response to Davis’s comments further strained his relationship with the players, leading to his dismissal.
Assessment of Ham’s Coaching Performance
Critics within the organization noted Ham’s struggles in both tactical acumen and communication skills. A Western Conference assistant coach remarked that while Ham may have been confident, his inability to excel in both areas ultimately led to his downfall, with his coaching tenure marred by issues in the locker room.
Conclusion: Lakers’ Pursuit of Championship-Caliber Team
The Lakers now enter a new phase in their quest for championship success, with the dismissal of Ham signaling the organization’s commitment to building a team capable of contending at the highest level. (SMBET)