Report: The Lakers Are Leaning One Way With Darvin Ham
02/05/2024 20:07
Darvin Ham has led the Los Angeles Lakers to the playoffs twice in both of his seasons as head coach, but the team has lost to the same opponent in both instances.
The Lakers have only been able to beat the Denver Nuggets once in two playoff series, and the lack of success has some wondering if Ham is on the hot seat.
According to one report, not only is Ham's job in jeopardy, but he could be gone before the second round of the playoffs begins.
On "The Athletic NBA Show Podcast," Johan Buva broke down what he's heard on Ham's future with the Lakers.
"The latest I've heard is the plan is still to move on from Darvin at some point, likely by the end of the week, potentially as early as tomorrow," Buva said Thursday on the podcast.
"Then, the head coaching search will start. Already started to hear some names from different people.
Not going to comment on it yet until the Darvin situation is finalized. But, from what I've heard the last couple days, the plan is to still move on from Darvin."
The Lakers could look very different next season with LeBron James also contemplating free agency.
James is expected to decline his player option, which would allow him to negotiate with every other team in the NBA.
"I'll sit down with Rich [Paul], my agent, and sit down with my family, see what's best, what's best for my career," LeBron said after the Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs this season.
A Lakers team without Darvin Ham, LeBron James and maybe even Anthony Davis is possible, and we'll see what happens when the dominoes fall this offseason in LA.
