While Darvin Ham is no longer the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, he could reportedly soon get a new job with one of his old team’s rivals.
Being the top coach for the Lakers is not an easy job. Similar to the New York Yankees in baseball, the standard is so high for the franchise that is tied for the most NBA titles (17) ever. The fact that the roster has league legend Lebron James only heightens the expectations for the team each season.
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That all likely played a major role in Ham’s eventual downfall. Despite taking the team to the Western Conference Finals in his first season, and winning four more games this past season, the organization fired Darvin Ham after two seasons soon after their first-round elimination in the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
Since his dismissal, there has been a lot of speculation about who could replace him in the high-profile role, however, there hasn’t been much said about what could be next for the long-time assistant coach. Well, some clarity was brought to that on Thursday and the news includes him possibly joining a rival club.
- Darvin Ham record (Career): 90-74
During an update on what’s to come for the Golden State Warriors this offseason, The Athletic team insider Anthony Slater revealed “The Warriors had some conversation with former Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham in recent weeks.” Slater claims the team is looking hard at bolstering the staff with Kenny Atkinson being a top candidate for the head coach job in Cleveland.
However, he also revealed that Ham is unlikely to join the Golden State staff, but it proves they are “big-name” hunting for assistants to Steve Kerr. The current Warriors head coach signed a new long-term extension during the season.
Former NBA player, and pal of Lebron James, JJ Redick is viewed as a favorite to land the Lakers job.
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