3 New Names Related To Lakers Coaching Search For Darvin Ham Replacement

The Los Angeles Lakers fired Darvin Ham and are currently looking for his replacement. The team has been linked to multiple assistants and, of course, Tyronn Lue is still in the mix.

Dan Woike from the Los Angeles Times reported that the Lakers may consider hiring Denver Nuggets’ David Adelman, Minnesota Timberwolves’ Micah Noria, Dallas Mavericks’ Sean Sweney, and Boston Celtics’ Charles Lee. When it comes to Lue, he is expected to sign a contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers.

“As of midweek, the team is still in the early stages, with both internal team sources and external coaching sources describing the Lakers as ‘taking their time.’ (Unless something changes with, say, Tyronn Lue),” Woike wrote on May 8.

Lue joins the list of options

The Lakers almost hired Lue, but negotiations got stuck in the middle of nowhere. He even got a Lakers cake. The Lakers could definitely use his experience, but they may also check their other options.

“Yes, that means coaches with established records in the big seat on the sidelines. But it also means consideration of some of the most highly regarded assistant coaches, including those still working in the postseason such as Denver’s David Adelman, Minnesota’s Micah Noria, Boston’s Charles Lee and Dallas’ Sean Sweeney.

“And yes, it means consideration for broadcaster/podcaster JJ Redick, who will receive serious consideration despite no coaching experience beyond his son’s youth team in New York City,” Woike wrote.

NBA analysts have also mentioned Kenny Atkinson from the Golden State Warriors and Mike Budenholzer from the Milwaukee Bucks. The latter has already won a championship and this puts him ahead of other candidates. According to Draft Kings Sportsbook, Budenholzer is a +225 favorite to fill the coaching void in LA.

Who will be the next head coach of the Lakers?

Odds via @DKSportsbook pic.twitter.com/DsNVKzm0qk

— Barstool Gambling (@stoolgambling) May 7, 2024

Lakers won’t be looking for Ham replacement if Lue becomes available

Zach Lowe from ESPN still believes that Lue will instantly become No.1 option if the Clippers let him go.

“The Lakers have been openly smitten with the idea of getting Ty Lue,” Lowe said on “The Lowe Post” podcast on Tuesday, May 7.

LeBron James and Lue worked together in Cleveland and also won a title while making three NBA Finals trips.

“That’s his guy,” an anonymous NBA executive told Heavy Sports’ Sean Deveney on April 30. “Out of all the coaches LeBron has ever had, the one he singles out is Ty. Now he is in a position where he has free-agency on his side and he can maybe force the team to do something to get his guy if he gets fired.”

Lue had a chance to go to the Lakers, but he may not get another one. Moreover, he may not be looking for one.

“I don’t really have a comment on that,” Lue told reporters after losing to the Mavericks in the first round last week. “I mean it’s great to be wanted you know that’s a really good feeling but like I said I want to be here and hopefully we’re able to solidify that.”