As expected, Darvin Ham has been canned, as the Los Angeles Lakers have officially parted ways with the head coach after two seasons, the team announced Tuesday, following their disappointing first-round exit from the NBA playoffs.
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The Lakers reached the Western Conference finals last season, but failed to advance past the first round this year. The decision was widely anticipated after the team's recent struggles, including a string of losses against the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs.
With the search for a new head coach now underway, speculation abounds regarding potential replacements. Several names have already surfaced, as relayed by Hoops Wire.
The Lakers’ statement on Ham’s dismissal: https://t.co/y7qyIGf9zv pic.twitter.com/8nOGLsaROf
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 3, 2024
Reports of Ham's uncertain future circulated last week as the Lakers fell to the Nuggets in the playoffs, marking their 12th loss in 13 games against the defending champions.
The Athletic was among the first to hint at Ham's impending departure, citing concerns from stakeholders about his tenure with the franchise.
Throughout his two-year tenure, Ham guided the Lakers to the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference on both occasions. However, the team's postseason performances failed to meet expectations, with consecutive losses to the Nuggets.
Critics pointed to a lack of cohesion between Ham and the players, highlighting a disconnect in leadership that hindered the team's progress.
Ham, a former NBA forward, amassed a 90-74 record during his time with the Lakers, coaching star players LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Notably, speculation has emerged about the potential candidacy of Mike Budenholzer, currently with the Milwaukee Bucks, should the Lakers opt for a coaching change.
Meanwhile, NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN emphasized the precarious nature of coaching in the NBA, particularly following postseason disappointments.
"If you are a head coach of the Lakers and you get swept in the first round of the playoffs, or you lose in five, you've got job issues. You've got job security issues," Woj said on NBA Countdown.
