Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham has agreed to a four-year contract to become the next coach of Los Angeles Lakerssources told ESPN on Friday.
Sources say Ham has distanced himself in the process in recent days, interviewing with Lakers officials on Thursday and inspiring an offer Friday afternoon. Sources say the Lakers were sold based on Ham’s stature and toughness, history of coaching star players and championship titles as assistant and player. Ham’s history with the Lakers franchise over two seasons – 2011-2013 – also played a part in his recruitment.
Ham will be charged with bringing the Lakers back into post-season after a disastrous 33-49 season that cost Frank Vogel his job. One of Ham’s most important directives: find a way to incorporate future Hall of Fame guardians Russell Westbrook into the framework of franchising with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Sources say this is a key topic in every interview with the Lakers coach.
“It’s HOT!!!!!!!! Congratulations and congrats Coach DHam!!” James tweeted Friday night to meet the recruitment.
Ham has been part of one of the league’s most successful coaching trees under Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer – including Memphis‘Taylor Jenkins, Utahby Quin Snyder and Golden Empire Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson. Ham spent nine seasons with Budenholzer in Atlanta and Milwaukee, including the 2021 NBA championship together.
“I’m so happy for him,” Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo told ESPN, referring to Ham. “He was the right guy for them. He kept it real to you. No BS at all. It was a damn time. He deserved it more than anyone.”
Ham played eight seasons in the NBA, winning championships with Detroit Pistons in the year 2004.
Sources say the Lakers have conducted interviews with two of this week’s three finalists – Ham and Terry Stotts. After Ham’s interview, franchise leaders knew they had their coach.
