The Los Angeles Lakers have fired their head coach Darvin Ham following an early playoff exit. Ham is leaving the franchise after two seasons on the job.
The Lakers finished the 2023-24 regular season with a 47-35 record and entered the postseason as a seventh seed. They faced the reigning NBA champions, Denver Nuggets, in the first round and lost the series in five games.
Ham’s stint with the Lakers comes to an end after he posted a 90-74 record during two seasons and led the team to the Western Conference Finals in 2023.
“We all want to thank Darvin for this dedication and positivity. While this was a difficult decision to make, it is the best course of action following a full review of the season,” said Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka in a statement. “The organization will remain unwavering in its commitment to deliver championship-caliber basketball to Lakers fans around the world.”
The Lakers are expected to instantly become the best job available in the NBA. Despite their struggles this season, they still have superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis playing at a high level while their supporting cast is also considered solid. Additionally, LA and the storied franchise like the Lakers are always attractive to free agents.
According to reports around the league, the Lakers are expected to target LA Clippers’ head coach Ty Lue for their opening in case he becomes available. If they can’t get Lue, the franchise will consider former Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson, and former NBA player and current broadcaster JJ Redick.
