Lakers Fire Head Coach Darvin Ham After Playoff Loss To Nuggets

The Los Angeles Lakers made a final decision to fire Darvin Ham. He is no longer their head coach, meaning there is an empty spot on their coaching staff. The franchise confirmed the decision via an official statement. Ham is leaving the Lakers after two seasons and a frustrating playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets.

Lakers Part Ways With Head Coach Darvin Ham pic.twitter.com/or3Bx2mZ5w

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) May 3, 2024

Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets eliminated the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. Lakers managed to win one game in the series, but it wasn’t enough.

Ham received the Frank Vogel treatment. The Lakers fired Vogel even though he led the team to a win inside the NBA bubble in Orlando. The franchise replaced him with Ham after the 2021-22 NBA season. It was a good decision and Ham had great success in his beginnings.

Lakers fire Ham after a disappointing season

In his first season with the team, the Lakers made the Western Conference Finals. They played against the Nuggets and yes, lost the series in 4.

The Lakers had a great start of the 2023-24 season, winning seven straight games. They also beat their opponents in the inaugural in-season tournament in Las Vegas. LeBron had a MVP performance in the tournament and averaged 26.4 points. The banner was raised at Crypto.com Arena and it was all good.

Things fell apart after the tournament. It was like a curse for the purple and gold. LA lost too many games and hit the rock bottom of the Western Conference. Players tried to go up, but it wasn’t easy.

The Lakers finished the regular season with a 47-35 record. They made the play-in tournament and earned their spot in the playoffs. Beating the Nuggets wasn’t easy.

Ham was really honest about his situation in LA. He knows that his two seasons with the Lakers weren’t easy. He said, “It’s been a hell of a two years sitting in this seat, I’ll tell you that. It’s been a hell of a two years.”

Ham is the first member of the Lakers organization to leave the team. Who will be the next to go?

The Lakers are probably eyeing their options. Tyronn Lue could step in as a replacement for Ham. JJ Redick is also an option just because of his friendship with LeBron James.