LeBron James Delivers Strong Message on Lakers Coaching Move

The Los Angeles Lakers played really bold with the hiring of Darvin Ham. He was the frontrunner for the head coaching job and yes, he got it. Ham will have to work with a challenging roster. LA has the biggest basketball player under contract. They also have an injured star in Anthony Davis. Oh, yes, Russell Westbrook is still a Laker. One thing stands for sure. LeBron James is a fan of Ham and made expected comments on the Lakers coaching choice.

The four-time NBA champion is more than excited to work with Ham. He supports the new head coach and this will play a big role in the upcoming season.

“So damn EXCITED!!!!!!!!” LeBron tweeted on May 27. “Congrats and welcome Coach DHam!! ?????????? #LakeShow??.”

Terry Stotts and Kenny Atkinson were also considered options for the team. They had interviews with the team, but Ham got the job.

LeBron James will work with a different Lakers coaching staff

Adrian Wojnarowski discussed Ham’s way to Los Angeles. LA wanted Juwan Howard, but getting him was part of an unrealistic scenario.

“The Lakers never made a formal offer to Howard, sources said, but it’s clear that if he had expressed an interest in the job, his candidacy would’ve moved quickly to that stage,” Wojnarowski wrote on May 22. “While Howard has a playing history with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and star LeBron James, he has consistently maintained he plans to remain in Ann Arbor, where his sons Jace and Jett will be a junior and freshman, respectively, next season.”

Darvin Ham guarding 19-year-old LeBron James, November 24, 2004 pic.twitter.com/AxLrgxw6ON

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 28, 2022

The Lakers were linked to Doc Rivers, too. However, the Philadelphia 76ers have great plans for the head coach. He will keep his job despite the disappointing season. Reports suggest that LeBron wanted to see Rivers in LA. We have people saying that LeBron never wanted Rivers.

Eric Pincus confirmed that LeBron was really fan of Ham’s hiring.

“The Lakers may be willing to take that leap of faith because Ham spent two years with the organization,” Pincus explained May 27. “His personality isn’t easily forgotten. Ham brings a lot of energy to a gym. He’s arguably the best fit for the locker room, with veterans like LeBron James, Anthony Davis and possibly Russell Westbrook in need of a coach they can relate to and respect.

“‘He’s the guy LeBron wants,’ a competing source said.”