NBA rumors: Darvin Ham’s immediate Lakers future in serious doubt after Nuggets loss
Darin Ham’s long-term status with the Los Angeles Lakers has been a topic of discussion all season. Now, after losing in five games to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Ham’s immediate future with the organization is in serious doubt, with stakeholders indicating that it is “highly unlikely” that he will return for the 2024-25 season, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Ham, who was hired by the team prior to the 2022-23 season, has often been criticized for his lack of in-game adjustments and rotations. There has even been a disconnect between the players and coaching staff that has existed since they won the first NBA In-Season Tournament in December. The locker room led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis helped spark their end-of-season run in light of the perceived absence of leadership from the coaches, per The Athletic. This has left owner Jeanie Buss and executive Rob Pelinka with a massive, possibly franchise-altering decision to make regarding their head coach.
Should Ham be let go by the Lakers, they would be responsible for the remaining money on his contract. Initially, Ham signed a four-year contract worth roughly $5 million per year.
“It’s been an unbelievable franchise to represent,” Ham stated in his postgame remarks after the Lakers’ Game 5 loss in Denver on Monday night. “Couldn’t ask for a better governor, a better president of basketball operations. Rob Pelinka, Jeanie Buss. I’ve seen a lot in my first two years in this seat. I’ll continue to work, get better, and control what I can control.”
When the Lakers return to Los Angeles following their loss to Denver, they will take the next few days to evaluate the organization as a whole. All aspects of the franchise, including LeBron James’ future with the team, will be discussed before any decision is made on Ham’s future. It is expected that James will ultimately have a say in what happens as well, especially since all indications point towards the Lakers wanting to do whatever it takes to make James happy in Los Angeles for the remainder of his career.
As a result, the notion of drafting his son, Bronny James, in the 2024 NBA Draft is something the Lakers are very open to in order to help fulfill LeBron’s dream of playing alongside him, according to The Athletic. Whether or not Bronny remains in the draft and if the Lakers will be in a position to select him are two major variables that have yet to be determined.