Darvin Ham is a name that’s blowing up around the league in terms of the current head coach vacancies in L.A. and Charlotte. The Lakers are surely taking notice as they wind down their search. Today, a lot of news emerged that sounds like the franchise is ready to go into phase one of revamping their leadership.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Sam Amick have reported that the Lakers narrowed down their candidacy. They’ve reached the final step of the process, as Charania/Amick said the following:
The Lakers appear poised to make a decision on their coaching position soon, with Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham, Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson and former Portland Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts the finalists for the job that became vacant when Frank Vogel was fired at season’s end. But as the final round of interviews is set, sources tell The Athletic that Ham appears to have made the strongest impression yet.
If Darvin Ham is the guy, it marks his first time heading an NBA bench. Despite this, he brings a wealth of coaching acumen and experience as a player. Bridging the gap between both of those things can’t be understated. It allows Ham a chance to sell his knowledge for the team’s buy-in. It also offers kinship to the players – which is a big deal when you got guys like LeBron James and Anthony Davis (and possibly Russell Westbrook).
The Lakers are a team in need of something fresh. It’s only been two years, but their championship run and identity are mostly behind them. Ham offers a restart and fresh voice that could reverberate all throughout the franchise. But the ball remains in the Lakers’ court to make a decision. Here’s to hoping it’s the best one possible.
