The Los Angeles Lakers have made a hire. Darvin Ham, Mike Budenholzer’s long-time assistant, will be their next head coach. The Lakers were actually the first team to hire Ham as an assistant coach back in 2011. Back then, he worked in a player development role with stars Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. Throughout his time in the NBA as a coach, he has become one of the highest-regarded coaches in terms of player development. After the hire was announced, LeBron James took to Twitter to express his excitement.
Related: The Lakers hire Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham
So damn EXCITED!!!!!!!! Congrats and welcome Coach DHam!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 #LakeShow💜💛
— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 28, 2022
Giannis Antetokounmpo also had something to say regarding the hire:
On the Lakers hiring of Bucks assistant Darvin Ham, Giannis Antetokounmpo tells ESPN: “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.”
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 28, 2022
Reactions from Around the League
LeBron James was not the only one excited about the hire. As mentioned, Coach Ham is well-regarded throughout the NBA. Many believe that this opportunity was a long time coming for him.
He made a special trek up to the broadcast booth to pay homage to @Paschketball last game. Now he leads one of the most storied franchises in sports. First class guy, knowledgeable, as tough as they come. Congratulations Darvin Ham. Smash the backboard with this one… pic.twitter.com/x4c8XAjKk0
— Elder Marques Johnson (@olskool888) May 28, 2022
My first year covering the NBA, I connected with a journeyman glue guy who everybody in the Hawks locker room liked & respected. He'd break down plays for me. We'd debate hip hop & discuss world events. He knew his stuff. Twenty years later, Darvin Ham is head coach of the Lakers
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) May 28, 2022
Darvin Ham is an excellent hire for the Lakers. Widely respected as an assistant, paid his dues. Has an Ime Udoka-like background (ex-player, longtime assistant). Could be a Udoka-level coach.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) May 28, 2022
I’m excited that the Lakers just hired Darvin Ham as the coach. Congratulations!!https://t.co/oPQ4QiQ1ZX
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 28, 2022
Bleacher Report Dug Up a Fun Photo of Darvin Ham and LeBron James
When LeBron James came into the NBA, Darvin Ham was in the twilight of his playing career. Still, they did meet on the hardwood a few times. LeBron was 19 and Darvin Ham was playing for Detroit.
Darvin Ham guarding 19-year-old LeBron James, November 24, 2004 pic.twitter.com/AxLrgxw6ON
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 28, 2022
Of Course, Skip Bayless Had Something to Say
We’ll just leave this here. Do with it what you will.
WHO KNOWS? MAYBE DARVIN HAM WILL TURN INTO THE NEXT IME UDOKA OR WILLIE GREEN – INSTANT RISING STAR COACH. BUT IT'S HIGHLY LIKELY PHIL JACKSON & KURT RAMBIS PUSHED FOR THE COACH THEY LIKELIEST CAN COACH – A 48-YEAR-OLD FIRST-TIME HEAD COACH. SOME "PUPPET" POTENTIAL HERE.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) May 28, 2022
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