By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
After their first-round exit from the playoffs the Los Angeles Lakers have officially parted ways with coach Darvin Ham.
While this is an expected turn of events at least one name mentioned by the “Athletic” as a potential candidate is not.
Potential candidates for replacing Ham are former Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, Kenny Atkinson, Ty Lue of the Clippers, if he becomes available, and former player and podcast partner of LeBron James, JJ Redick.
Of course, other names may appear shortly, but the mention of Budenholzer who left the Bucks after last season as the team couldn’t get a second championship title and Redick are making things interesting.
Ham, who had two years remaining on his contract, went 90-74 (.549) during the regular season and 9-12 (.429) in the postseason — which does not include his two play-in tournament wins — since being hired to replace Frank Vogel in 2022. He also guided the Lakers to the inaugural in-season tournament title in Las Vegas.
“We greatly appreciate Darvin Ham’s efforts on behalf of the Lakers and recognize the many accomplishments achieved over the past two seasons including last year’s remarkable run to the Western Conference finals,” Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said in a statement. “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. The organization will remain unwavering in its commitment to deliver championship-caliber basketball to Lakers fans around the world.”