Darvin Ham’s hiring as the next Los Angeles Lakers head coach has been received well by L.A.’s fans and the NBA community.
In Ham, the front office found someone with a strong voice and personality — the traits vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka named as must-haves for the new play-caller.
And the 48-year-old seems to have already won LeBron James over. The four-time NBA champion quickly welcomed the new head coach after reports of his hiring came out, tweeting he was “excited” to work with the former Milwaukee Bucks assistant.
Besides his no-nonsense personality, Ham made a great impression on the Lakers by proving his vast basketball knowledge during his interviews, according to The Athletic’s Bill Oram:
And sources said he blew the Lakers away with his understanding of X’s and O’s.
Ham convinced the Lakers they found the right man to lead L.A. during his final interview, which reportedly went so well the franchise didn’t even speak with the last of the three finalists for the job, Kenny Atkinson.
Ham signed a four-year deal with the Purple and Gold and will reportedly enjoy great autonomy, allowing him to choose his own coaching staff. He will meet with current Lakers coaches — including David Fizdale, Phil Handy, Mike Penberthy — next week to begin the search for his new assistants.
Bucks stars congratulate Ham on Lakers head coaching gig
Bucks stars didn’t wait for the official confirmation of Ham’s signing to congratulate their coach on landing the job with the Lakers. Among them was two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who vouched for Ham’s toughness and credentials:
“I’m so happy for him. He’s the right fit for them. He keeps it real with you. No BS at all. It’s about damn time. He deserves it more than anyone,” Antetokounmpo said.
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