Los Angeles Lakers part ways with coach Darvin Ham after his two-season tenure

The Los Angeles Lakers have made the decision to part ways with coach Darvin Ham after two seasons. The team finished the 2023-24 season with a disappointing 47-35 record and suffered a loss to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. Despite leading the team to two playoff berths, including a memorable run to the 2023 Western Conference Finals, Ham found himself on the hot seat after the Nuggets eliminated the Lakers in both playoff appearances during his tenure.

“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.”

The team’s failure to progress in the playoffs was particularly disillusioning given the relative health of star players LeBron James and Anthony Davis throughout the season. Both players maintained high levels of performance, with James even setting the NBA’s all-time scoring record. Additionally, D’Angelo Russell had a strong regular season, setting the franchise record for 3-pointers. However, the team’s overall success did not match expectations, leading to criticism of Ham’s game management, tactical adjustments, and player rotations.

Despite a difficult middle of the season, the Lakers managed to rally and secure the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference by winning the SoFi Play-In Tournament. Looking ahead, the team faces crucial decisions, including the looming player options of key figures like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D’Angelo Russell for the 2024-25 season. Additionally, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka must weigh the possibility of acquiring a third superstar through trades or building around the current core and role players to increase the team’s competitiveness.

The Lakers’ search for a new head coach marks the latest chapter in the team’s ongoing coaching transitions since the departure of Hall of Famer Phil Jackson in 2011, underscoring the organization’s commitment to finding the right leadership to guide the team back to championship contention.

The upcoming offseason holds significant implications for the Lakers as they work to address their shortcomings and embark on a new chapter under fresh coaching leadership.