The Los Angeles Lakers secured their new head coach with the hiring of Darvin Ham, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Prior to joining the Lakers, he served as an assistant to NBA defending champion Milwaukee Bucks. He has worked with Milwaukee head coach Mike Budenholzer since 2013, when the pair were with the Atlanta Hawks.
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This is not the first time Ham has worked in Los Angeles. He was an assistant to the Lakers from 2011 to 2013. He is in charge of a squad that did not live up to expectations last season, as Los Angeles finished 33-49 and missed the postseason. He replaces Frank Vogel, who was fired by the team in April.
Lakers superstar LeBron James was one of the first players to welcome his new coach to the team.
EXCITED !!!!!! Congratulations and welcome Coach Dham !! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 # LakeShow💜💛
– LeBron James (@KingJames) May 28, 2022
Trae Young, who has a history with Ham since his time in Atlanta, also congratulated him on his role.
“This major … Congratulations D Ham !!” Trae Young
The head coach played eight seasons in the NBA with six teams and won a championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004.
During Ham’s time in Detroit, he played four games against James, who was with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Lakers legend Magic Johnson has expressed his enthusiasm for the new addition.
“I’m excited that the Lakers have just hired Darvin Ham as their coach. Congratulations !!” Earvin Magic Johnson
Some former Ham players such as Bobby Portis and Thon Maker were among those who took to Twitter.
Coach Ham congratulations OG 🤞🏿💯 https://t.co/5f9jfBOAKc
– Bobby BP Portis (@BPortistime) May 28, 2022
I am so happy for my boy Dham !! Congratulations on the Lakers’ place
– Thon Maker ™ (@ ThonMaker14) May 28, 2022
Congratulations to Darvin Ham … He waited his turn and did everything the right way !!! Great rental for Laker Nation … 💯💯💯
– DeMarre Carroll (@ DeMarreCarroll1) May 28, 2022
Yes sir !!!!!! https://t.co/bifSHot66j
– Kenny Baze (@ 24Bazemore) May 28, 2022
A long time ago!!!!!! https://t.co/5luIPvkBxG
– Jason “The Jet” Terry (@ jasonterry31) May 28, 2022
D.ham congratulations! 🎊
– 35 (@ Chriswood_5) May 28, 2022
Great recruitment, D Ham is a great coach and person. The best of Michigan! Congratulations D Ham. https://t.co/P2Ttq8S4l7
– Wilson Chandler (@wilsonchandler) May 28, 2022