By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham has agreed to a four-year deal to become the next coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, as ESPN reported.
“I’m so happy for him,” Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo told ESPN, referring to Ham. “He’s the right fit for them. He keeps it real with you. No BS at all. It’s about damn time. He deserves it more than anyone.”
Per the report: “Ham separated himself in the process in recent days, interviewing with Lakers officials Thursday and inspiring an offer Friday afternoon, sources said. The Lakers were sold on Ham’s stature and toughness, his history of coaching star players, and championship pedigree as an assistant and player, sources said. Ham’s history with the Lakers franchise for two seasons — 2011-2013 — played a part in his hiring, too”.
After a season to forget with a 33-49 record, Frank Vogel is replaced and Ham will have the hard task to find a way to make the team-up of Russell Westbrook with LeBron James and Anthony Davis work.
Ham has been a part of one of the league’s most successful coaching trees under Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, including Memphis’ Taylor Jenkins, Utah’s Quin Snyder, and Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson. Ham spent nine seasons with Budenholzer in Atlanta and Milwaukee, including winning the 2021 NBA championship together.