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.

The post LA Lakers Fire Head Coach Darvin Ham After 2 Seasons appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Los Angeles Lakers have avoided getting swept by the Denver Nuggets for the second consecutive postseason. Facing elimination and another embarrassment in Game 4 of their first-round series against the Nuggets on Saturday night, the Lakers displayed a remarkable resilience and came up with a 119-108 win.

Prior to Saturday, the Lakers lost 11 consecutive games against the Nuggets. They were swept in the 2023 Western Conference Finals, lost all four regular-season games in the 2023-24 season, and then fell down 3-0 at the start of this year’s playoff series.

But in Game 4, the Lakers found a spark. They finished the first quarter with a five-point lead and never trailed again. LA’s superstar LeBron James led the way with 30 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Anthony Davis added 25 points and 23 rebounds. This proved enough to overcome another monster outing by Nuggets’ superstar Nikola Jokic, who had 33 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists.

Speaking with reports after the game, James said that the Lakers gave themselves “another life” with a win.

“The only opportunity for us is just to play the next game,” LeBron James said. “And we’ve given ourselves another life. We’ve given ourselves another lifeline, and it’s a one-game series for us.”

However, the Lakers are still facing a massive challenge. In order to advance to the second round, they would need to become the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-0 deficit in a playoff series. The Lakers and the Nuggets are playing again on Monday night in another elimination game for the LA team.

The post Lakers Avoid Sweep With Game 4 Win Over the Nuggets appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Los Angeles Lakers are heading to the final of the inaugural NBA in-season tournament after decimating the New Orleans Pelicans 133-89 in their semifinal clash on Thursday night.

39-year-old LeBron James proved that he remains on top form despite his age, scoring 30 points and providing eight assists and five rebounds on the night. “If you decide to retire, or whatever the case may be, you’re not a part of it anymore, so it wouldn’t be me leaving it on the table because I would have never had the table set,” James commented after the game, concluding: “But I’m happy that I’m here; this is a pretty cool moment, and let’s see if we can capitalize on it. It’s been good. It’s been dope.”

Following their emphatic win, the Lakers will face the Indiana Pacers, who defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 128-119. Tyrese Haliburton is one to watch, scoring 27 points in the Pacers’ semifinal win, while Myles Turner followed closely with a 26-point contribution.

The post Lakers Advance to In-Season Tournament Final appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Los Angeles Lakers are heading to Las Vegas after clinching the final semifinal spot up for grabs in the inaugural NBA in-season tournament. The Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns 106-103 on Tuesday night.

Center Anthony Davis emerged as the Lakers’ star player on the night, scoring 27 points and 15 rebounds, while Austin Reeves contributed 20 points. LeBron James proved crucial for the Lakers in the final quarter, scoring 15 of his team’s first 19 points of the fourth quarter to hand them the momentum in the final stretch.

“You’ve got some of the most alpha male competitors in the world, and if you give us an opportunity to play for something meaningful or an incentive, then you get what you’re getting,” James commented, also contributing 11 assists, eight rebounds and five steals. The Lakers have set up a semifinal clash with the New Orleans Pelicans, who they will play on Thursday night. The winner will face either the Milwaukee Bucks or the Indiana Pacers in the final.

The post Lakers are Heading to Las Vegas for In-Season Tournament Semifinal appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Los Angeles Lakers just can’t get rid of the injury bug. According to Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times, Lakers’ forward Rui Hachimura underwent surgery to repair nasal fracture and will be out indefinitely.

Hachimura suffered the injury during a 101-104 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. The 25-year-old player is expected to be re-evaluated in one week, after which the Lakers will provide an update on his return to action.

This represents a tough blow for the Lakers, considering that Hachimura was one of the team’s most important bench players this season. The 2019 ninth-overall pick has been averaging 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists so far in 2023-24. Hachimura missed four games earlier this season due to a concussion.

Hachimura’s injury is just one of the latest blows for a Lakers team that is trying to navigate an underwhelming start to the campaign. The LA team has a long injury list at the moment that includes guard Gabe Vincent, who won’t return for at least two more weeks due to a knee issue. Wing Jarred Vanderbilt is dealing with a heel injury and is still several days from returning to action, while Cam Reddish is listed day-to-day with a groin injury.

The post Lakers’ Rui Hachimura Undergoes Nasal Surgery, Out Indefinitely appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz 131-99 on Tuesday to book their place in the quarterfinals of the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament. Thanks to the victory over Utah, the Lakers went 4-0 to win their group.

Prior to the start of the tournament, Los Angeles struggled to get their season on the right track. Going into the tournament, they were 3-5 for the season after suffering a three-game losing streak. In a dramatic turnaround, the Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers, and finally Utah to sweep Group A of the Western Conference.

“That was great that we were able to take care of business,” LeBron James said of the Lakers’ win over the Jazz, a game in which he scored the 39,000th point of his career. By winning Group A, the Lakers are set for a home game in the quarterfinals on either December 4 or 5, with a semifinal in Las Vegas on the line.

The post Lakers Make Quarters of Inaugural In-Season Tournament appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis experienced spasms in his left hip during his team’s narrow 108-107 loss to the Miami Heat on Monday night. Still, the Lakers star is hopeful about making a return to the action in the near term.

Davis explained after the game that he tweaked his abductor as he attempted to perform a spin around Miami’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. late in the second quarter. While he attempted to remain in the game, Davis was subbed out with 2:17 left on the clock in the second quarter.

“Everything’s going to be fine,” Davis explained. “I’ll be ready to go for Wednesday, for sure.” The Lakers guard was referring to his team’s upcoming game against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday night.

The post Anthony Davis Tweaks Hip in Miami Heat Loss appeared first on SportzBonanza.

LeBron James proved to be the Los Angeles Lakers’ difference-maker during his 42 minutes on the court during their 130-125 win over the LA Clippers on Wednesday. The veteran contributed 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists on the night.

“I’m just happy I’m still able to go get it at this point in my career. I mean, he trusted me to go get it, so I wanted to go up there,” the Lakers star remarked after the win. Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell was impressed with James’ performance, explaining, “I mean, he took over.”

James has proven to be an impactful player during the later stages of games throughout this season, scoring 51 points in the fourth quarter and overtime this season. The victory takes the Lakers 3-2.

The post LeBron Emerges as Key Player in Lakers Win Over Clippers appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Jarred Vanderbilt has agreed to a four-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources revealed on Friday. The deal, worth $48 million, sees the Lakers secure the services of the forward just weeks before the start of training camp. Vanderbilt is the fifth member of last season’s Lakers team to sign a multi-year extension, joining the likes of Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura.

Since joining the Lakers, Vanderbilt has averaged 7.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 26 games, of which he started 24. A defensive-minded forward, Vanderbilt has often been relied on by coach Darvin Ham to guard the opponents’ most dangerous offensive threats.

Vanderbilt was acquired by the Lakers from the Utah Jazz near the trade deadline last season. His arrival was one in a flurry of moves orchestrated by Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka in an effort to grab a spot in the play-in tournament last season.

The post Jarred Vanderbilt Signs 4-Year Extension With Lakers appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Free agent forward and center Christian Wood has inked a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources revealed late on Tuesday night. The 27-year-old’s $5.7 million deal includes a player option for the 2024-25 season.

Following a season with the Dallas Mavericks, Wood will be looking to establish himself as a regular for a true Western Conference contender while restoring his market value. Known for his height, frontline versatility, and depth, Wood is a skilled center who, together with fellow recent arrival, Jaxson Hayes, will be able to fill in for Anthony Davis, enabling the Lakers’ main center to catch more breaks during the season.

Averaging 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds for the Mavs last season, Wood is a skilled shooter, emerging as one of just four players 6-foot-10 or taller to score 100 3-pointers in each of the past two seasons. He has averaged 38% in each of the past four seasons and joins a Lakers team that converted just 34% of 3-pointers last campaign.

The post Christian Wood Signs 2-Year Deal With Lakers appeared first on SportzBonanza.

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.

The post LA Lakers Fire Head Coach Darvin Ham After 2 Seasons appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Los Angeles Lakers have avoided getting swept by the Denver Nuggets for the second consecutive postseason. Facing elimination and another embarrassment in Game 4 of their first-round series against the Nuggets on Saturday night, the Lakers displayed a remarkable resilience and came up with a 119-108 win.

Prior to Saturday, the Lakers lost 11 consecutive games against the Nuggets. They were swept in the 2023 Western Conference Finals, lost all four regular-season games in the 2023-24 season, and then fell down 3-0 at the start of this year’s playoff series.

But in Game 4, the Lakers found a spark. They finished the first quarter with a five-point lead and never trailed again. LA’s superstar LeBron James led the way with 30 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Anthony Davis added 25 points and 23 rebounds. This proved enough to overcome another monster outing by Nuggets’ superstar Nikola Jokic, who had 33 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists.

Speaking with reports after the game, James said that the Lakers gave themselves “another life” with a win.

“The only opportunity for us is just to play the next game,” LeBron James said. “And we’ve given ourselves another life. We’ve given ourselves another lifeline, and it’s a one-game series for us.”

However, the Lakers are still facing a massive challenge. In order to advance to the second round, they would need to become the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-0 deficit in a playoff series. The Lakers and the Nuggets are playing again on Monday night in another elimination game for the LA team.

The post Lakers Avoid Sweep With Game 4 Win Over the Nuggets appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Los Angeles Lakers are heading to the final of the inaugural NBA in-season tournament after decimating the New Orleans Pelicans 133-89 in their semifinal clash on Thursday night.

39-year-old LeBron James proved that he remains on top form despite his age, scoring 30 points and providing eight assists and five rebounds on the night. “If you decide to retire, or whatever the case may be, you’re not a part of it anymore, so it wouldn’t be me leaving it on the table because I would have never had the table set,” James commented after the game, concluding: “But I’m happy that I’m here; this is a pretty cool moment, and let’s see if we can capitalize on it. It’s been good. It’s been dope.”

Following their emphatic win, the Lakers will face the Indiana Pacers, who defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 128-119. Tyrese Haliburton is one to watch, scoring 27 points in the Pacers’ semifinal win, while Myles Turner followed closely with a 26-point contribution.

The post Lakers Advance to In-Season Tournament Final appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Los Angeles Lakers are heading to Las Vegas after clinching the final semifinal spot up for grabs in the inaugural NBA in-season tournament. The Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns 106-103 on Tuesday night.

Center Anthony Davis emerged as the Lakers’ star player on the night, scoring 27 points and 15 rebounds, while Austin Reeves contributed 20 points. LeBron James proved crucial for the Lakers in the final quarter, scoring 15 of his team’s first 19 points of the fourth quarter to hand them the momentum in the final stretch.

“You’ve got some of the most alpha male competitors in the world, and if you give us an opportunity to play for something meaningful or an incentive, then you get what you’re getting,” James commented, also contributing 11 assists, eight rebounds and five steals. The Lakers have set up a semifinal clash with the New Orleans Pelicans, who they will play on Thursday night. The winner will face either the Milwaukee Bucks or the Indiana Pacers in the final.

The post Lakers are Heading to Las Vegas for In-Season Tournament Semifinal appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Los Angeles Lakers just can’t get rid of the injury bug. According to Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times, Lakers’ forward Rui Hachimura underwent surgery to repair nasal fracture and will be out indefinitely.

Hachimura suffered the injury during a 101-104 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. The 25-year-old player is expected to be re-evaluated in one week, after which the Lakers will provide an update on his return to action.

This represents a tough blow for the Lakers, considering that Hachimura was one of the team’s most important bench players this season. The 2019 ninth-overall pick has been averaging 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists so far in 2023-24. Hachimura missed four games earlier this season due to a concussion.

Hachimura’s injury is just one of the latest blows for a Lakers team that is trying to navigate an underwhelming start to the campaign. The LA team has a long injury list at the moment that includes guard Gabe Vincent, who won’t return for at least two more weeks due to a knee issue. Wing Jarred Vanderbilt is dealing with a heel injury and is still several days from returning to action, while Cam Reddish is listed day-to-day with a groin injury.

The post Lakers’ Rui Hachimura Undergoes Nasal Surgery, Out Indefinitely appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz 131-99 on Tuesday to book their place in the quarterfinals of the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament. Thanks to the victory over Utah, the Lakers went 4-0 to win their group.

Prior to the start of the tournament, Los Angeles struggled to get their season on the right track. Going into the tournament, they were 3-5 for the season after suffering a three-game losing streak. In a dramatic turnaround, the Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers, and finally Utah to sweep Group A of the Western Conference.

“That was great that we were able to take care of business,” LeBron James said of the Lakers’ win over the Jazz, a game in which he scored the 39,000th point of his career. By winning Group A, the Lakers are set for a home game in the quarterfinals on either December 4 or 5, with a semifinal in Las Vegas on the line.

The post Lakers Make Quarters of Inaugural In-Season Tournament appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis experienced spasms in his left hip during his team’s narrow 108-107 loss to the Miami Heat on Monday night. Still, the Lakers star is hopeful about making a return to the action in the near term.

Davis explained after the game that he tweaked his abductor as he attempted to perform a spin around Miami’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. late in the second quarter. While he attempted to remain in the game, Davis was subbed out with 2:17 left on the clock in the second quarter.

“Everything’s going to be fine,” Davis explained. “I’ll be ready to go for Wednesday, for sure.” The Lakers guard was referring to his team’s upcoming game against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on Wednesday night.

The post Anthony Davis Tweaks Hip in Miami Heat Loss appeared first on SportzBonanza.

LeBron James proved to be the Los Angeles Lakers’ difference-maker during his 42 minutes on the court during their 130-125 win over the LA Clippers on Wednesday. The veteran contributed 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists on the night.

“I’m just happy I’m still able to go get it at this point in my career. I mean, he trusted me to go get it, so I wanted to go up there,” the Lakers star remarked after the win. Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell was impressed with James’ performance, explaining, “I mean, he took over.”

James has proven to be an impactful player during the later stages of games throughout this season, scoring 51 points in the fourth quarter and overtime this season. The victory takes the Lakers 3-2.

The post LeBron Emerges as Key Player in Lakers Win Over Clippers appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Jarred Vanderbilt has agreed to a four-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources revealed on Friday. The deal, worth $48 million, sees the Lakers secure the services of the forward just weeks before the start of training camp. Vanderbilt is the fifth member of last season’s Lakers team to sign a multi-year extension, joining the likes of Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura.

Since joining the Lakers, Vanderbilt has averaged 7.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 26 games, of which he started 24. A defensive-minded forward, Vanderbilt has often been relied on by coach Darvin Ham to guard the opponents’ most dangerous offensive threats.

Vanderbilt was acquired by the Lakers from the Utah Jazz near the trade deadline last season. His arrival was one in a flurry of moves orchestrated by Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka in an effort to grab a spot in the play-in tournament last season.

The post Jarred Vanderbilt Signs 4-Year Extension With Lakers appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Free agent forward and center Christian Wood has inked a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources revealed late on Tuesday night. The 27-year-old’s $5.7 million deal includes a player option for the 2024-25 season.

Following a season with the Dallas Mavericks, Wood will be looking to establish himself as a regular for a true Western Conference contender while restoring his market value. Known for his height, frontline versatility, and depth, Wood is a skilled center who, together with fellow recent arrival, Jaxson Hayes, will be able to fill in for Anthony Davis, enabling the Lakers’ main center to catch more breaks during the season.

Averaging 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds for the Mavs last season, Wood is a skilled shooter, emerging as one of just four players 6-foot-10 or taller to score 100 3-pointers in each of the past two seasons. He has averaged 38% in each of the past four seasons and joins a Lakers team that converted just 34% of 3-pointers last campaign.

The post Christian Wood Signs 2-Year Deal With Lakers appeared first on SportzBonanza.