Darvin Ham Archives - New Hip Hop News

SOURCE SPORTS: Lakers Fire Darvin Ham After Two Questionable Seasons

May 4, 2024 by newhiphopnews

After two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, head coach Darvin Ham’s tenure ended. The tipping point occurred during a heated playoffs moment when Lakers star LeBron James vocally expressed frustration with Ham’s decision not to challenge an out-of-bounds call.

Rob Pelinka, Lakers’ VP of basketball operations, expressed gratitude for Ham’s contributions while emphasizing the organization’s dedication to providing championship-level basketball to Lakers fans worldwide.

“We all want to thank Darvin for this dedication and positivity. While this was a difficult decision to make, it is the best course of action following a full review of the season. The organization will remain unwavering in its commitment to deliver championship-caliber basketball to Lakers fans around the world” said Pelinka. “We greatly appreciate Darvin Ham’s efforts on behalf of the Lakers and recognize the many accomplishments achieved over the past two seasons including last year’s remarkable run to the Western Conference finals,”

As the Lakers face an uncertain offseason, questions loom regarding James’ future with the team, given his age and impending retirement. With two years left on his contract, Ham’s departure reflects the organization’s desire for change after consecutive playoff disappointments.

“The team now heads into an off-season of great uncertainty. James is still playing at a high level, but he’s 40 and nearing the end of his career. Whether he wants to play for the Lakers next season is up in the air,” from a source close to the team.

Despite some successes, including a notable tournament victory in Las Vegas, the Lakers’ postseason woes continued with a first-round exit at the hands of the Denver Nuggets for the second consecutive year.

Whelp, guess that means the memes are over with now that Ham is out of the picture—wonder who’s next on the chopping block. Stay tuned from Tinsel Town.

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Darvin Ham Has Been Fired By The Lakers

May 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

After the Los Angeles Lakers exit from the playoffs at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, Darvin Ham has been on the hot seat. It was reported earlier in the week that the Lakers coach would likely be fired by the end of the week. Now the news is official: Darvin Ham has been fired by the Los Angeles Lakers. Ham had been under fire all season, and the playoff exit sealed his fate.

Darvin Ham coached the Lakers for two seasons. Last year, after battling out of the play-in tournament, the Lakers, led by LeBron James, made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals. This season, the Lakers were a low seed once again and had to play in the in-season tournament, ultimately getting matched up with the defending champs in the first round. The Denver Nuggets defeated the Lakers four games to one in what was an entertaining and hard-fought series. Ultimately, the Lakers just did not have enough for the champs. Now, Darvin Ham is out the door.

Darvin Ham is Done In Los Angeles

BREAKING: The Los Angeles Lakers dismissed coach Darvin Ham, sources tell ESPN. In two seasons, Ham was 90-74 with a Western Conference Finals berth, two Play-In victories and an In-Season title. Lakers lost in five games to Denver in opening-round. pic.twitter.com/33ck0Hgyu4

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 3, 2024

Darvin ham is done in LA. Firing Ham was inevitable as he was the easiest person to blame. Draymond Green had recently commented you couldn’t really blame Darvin Ham for not improving the team’s standing when the roster didn’t get better from the year before. It’s a fair point, but NBA coaching is often an unfair business. Fans and pundits often criticized Ham for his lack of decision-making and his odd lineup choices. The roster was in flux all season, with some players not showing up. D’Angelo Russell struggled early but became one of the best shooters in the NBA in the second half of the season. Then promptly reverted in the playoffs.

The Lakers have plenty more decisions to make. Reportedly, the next Lakers coach will benefit from a significant roster overhaul. The franchise will use the Laker’s draft stock to improve the roster. Furthermore, LeBron James’s future is still up in the air. In an effort to keep the King in LA, the Lakers might be keen on drafting his son Bronny for the 2024 NBA draft. Overall, the Lakers have to make some big decisions this summer, and Darvin Ham is the first casualty.

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Draymond Green Sounds Off On The Lakers Potentially Firing Darvin Ham

May 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the NBA playoffs by the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers fell 4-1 to the Nuggets in a hard-fought but ultimately futile effort. The Defending champs were just too much for LeBron James and the Lakers. Lakers coach Darvin Ham has been getting the brunt of the blame from fans and the Lakers organization, who are reported to be likely to fire him. There are some who think the criticism of Ham is ridiculous and that the Laker’s failings are more complex. Draymond Green believes it’s foolish to look to fire Darvin Ham despite what the consensus says.

Draymond is an outspoken player on and off the court. Whatever you think of his brash personality, sometimes he speaks the truth. Green has been sitting at home since the Golden State Warriors were eliminated from postseason play and has been focusing on his podcast. Green broke down his position on the Darvin Ham situation, ultimately defending the coach. The NBA champion makes some good points.

Draymond Green Defends Darvin Ham

Draymond Green says he thinks it would be wrong for the Lakers to fire Darvin Ham. “I think it’ll be wrong to fire him… [The Lakers] roster didn’t get better than last year… Everybody will blame [him], like, ‘Oh, it’s his fault.’ Is it really?” What he says makes perfect sense. The Laker’s roster did not get better in the offseason. It was not a better team than last season, and last season, they also were in the play-in tournament. Although They did make the conference finals last season, they failed to replace certain guys. Furthermore, their new signings did not perform well, and those facts ultimately prevented them from improving.

Draymond also adds that he doesn’t see LeBron James leaving LA. He says it’s possible if an interesting situation pops up. Ultimately, outside of that happening, Green says he will probably be back in Purple and Gold. The Lakers have some big decisions to make. They have to improve this roster to maximize the talents of Lebron, who is 39 years old, and Anthony Davis. All in all, it’s going to be a long off-season of decision-making for LA.

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Darvin Ham Could Be Fired After Lakers First Round Exit

April 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Denver Nuggets eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers from the first round of the NBA playoffs. The Lakers lost the series four games to one. The series was hard-fought despite only going five games. Ultimately, the Lakers could not cope with the consistency of the defending NBA champion. Jamal Murray hit two dagger shots to win two close games. At age 39, LeBron James did all he could to lead the Lakers alongside Anthony Davis. When teams lose, especially big-name teams like the Lakers, the coach will usually take most of the blame.

Darvin Ham’s coaching decisions have been under scrutiny all season, particularly from NBA enthusiasts and Laker fans. His rotations and lineup choices have been a subject of criticism, as has his seemingly passive demeanor during games. Fans have even pointed to his interactions with players, suggesting a lack of control over the locker room. Despite the Lakers’ hard-fought series against the Nuggets, the pressure on Darvin Ham’s position seems to be mounting after their 4-1 exit from the playoffs.

There Is A High Chance Darvin Ham Is Fired This Off-Season

Lakers finish to season has left coach Darvin Ham’s future in serious peril, as some stakeholders indicate he is highly unlikely to return, sources say.

What went wrong for L.A. and inside LeBron James’ future at @TheAthletic with @sam_amick, @jovanbuha: https://t.co/soHAI7QRpk

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 30, 2024

NBA insider Shams Charania has reported that Darvin Ham is highly unlikely to return as Lakers coach. After the first-round exit, his future as the top man in LA is in danger. The rport explains multiple questions that have arisen throughout the season for the Lakers. Many inside the Lakers organization have questioned the playcalling and decision-making. They believe Darvin Ham wasn’t getting the most out of his roster of players. Many have dismissed this as just excuses from LeBron James and the Lakers Organization. Clearly, a move has to be made if the Lakers want to be competitive.

The Lakers have questions other than who their next head coach will be. Mainly, if LeBron will even be a Laker next season. LeBron’s future is really up in the air. As the 39-year-old approaches the end of his career, he is still more than capable of being one of the best players in the league. Overall, the Lakers’ offseason will be very interesting, considering all the moving parts and possibilities.

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Darvin Ham Net Worth 2024: What Is The Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach Worth?

April 29, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Darvin Ham is a former NBA player turned coach. He has accumulated a reported net worth estimated at $5 million as of 2024, according to ClutchPoints. This figure reflects his success in various capacities within the basketball world, transitioning from an impactful player to a strategic coach. Ham’s journey through the ranks of the NBA, both on and off the court, illustrates a career built on perseverance, skill, and a deep understanding of the game.

From Player To Coach: Darvin Ham’s NBA Journey

darvin hamm — PORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Darvin Ham of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Portland. Trail Blazers at Moda Center on November 17, 2023, also in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Darvin Ham began his NBA career in 1996 after going undrafted, eventually making a name for himself as a strong role player known for his defensive prowess and high-energy dunks. Perhaps most famously, Ham won the 1997 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, showcasing his athletic ability. After playing for several teams, including the Detroit Pistons and the Milwaukee Bucks, Ham transitioned to coaching, where he has made significant strides. His coaching career began in the NBA Development League. It is a further testament to his commitment to learning and teaching the sport.

Strategic Mindset: Achieving Coaching Success

As a coach, Darvin Ham is respected for his strategic mindset and his ability to connect with players. He has been an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks. There, he developed a reputation for his defensive coaching strategies and his role in player development. His coaching philosophy emphasizes accountability and a strong defensive foundation. These are also values he instilled in teams to cultivate winning cultures.

Current Roles & Future Prospects

In 2022, Darvin Ham took a significant step forward in his career by becoming the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. This role places him at the helm of one of the most storied franchises in the NBA. He is also tasked with leading a high-profile team through a competitive landscape. His leadership is seen in his basketball strategies and how he manages player dynamics. It is crucial for maintaining team cohesion and pursuing championships.

Darvin Ham’s net worth encapsulates his successful transition from NBA player to a prominent coaching figure. His career trajectory is also marked by continuous growth and adaptation. This has helped him remain relevant and respected in the ever-evolving NBA. As he leads the Lakers, his influence on the game is expected to increase, potentially enhancing his financial and professional portfolio. His story is one of resilience and strategic acumen, underlining his substantial impact on basketball as a player and a coach.

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LeBron James Blasts Lakers For Losing Streak, Pressure Mounts On Head Coach Darvin Ham

January 6, 2024 by newhiphopnews

LeBron James was blunt in his assessment of the Lakers as the team dropped their fourth consecutive game and remained at a dismal 2-8 record in their last 10 games. “I mean, we just suck right now,” LeBron told reporters after the 127-113 loss to Memphis. Furthermore, LeBron pushed back at people using the Lakers’ In-Season Tournament title as evidence of the team’s trajectory. “That was just two games. It’s a small sample. Everyone is getting so cracked up about Vegas and keep bringing up Vegas. It was two games. We took care of that business. It was the in-season tournament, we played it, we won it. But that was literally just two games.”

Meanwhile, head coach Darvin Ham does not appear concerned about his job security despite the Lakers’ skid. “I’m solid. My governor, Jeanie Buss, the boss lady; our president, Robert Pelinka — we’re all aligned. As long as they’re not saying it, I guess I’m good. Which I know how they feel about me and the situation we’re currently in,” Ham said. However, those comments were made before the Grizzlies beat LA.

“Growing Disconnect” Between Ham And Lakers

LeBron James: “We suck right now.” He also framed LAL’s in-season tournament as “only two games,” suggesting that championship should be given the proper weight pic.twitter.com/a1IaENpWyh

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 6, 2024

Speculation about Ham’s future with the Lakers reached fever pitch earlier this week. Per Shams Charaina, there is a “growing disconnect” between the Lakers roster and coach Darvin Ham over the latter’s lineup choices. “There’s currently a deepening disconnect between Darvin Ham and the Lakers locker room, six sources with direct knowledge of the situation say, raising questions about the head coach’s standing. The people spoke with The Athletic on condition of anonymity so that they could speak freely on the matter. Those sources have described that the disjointedness between the coach and team has stemmed from the extreme rotation and starting lineup adjustments recently from Ham, leading to a fluctuating rhythm for several players across the roster,” Charaina and Jovan Buah wrote for The Athletic.

The report came after the Heat, without Jimmy Butler, beat a starting lineup of Anthony Davis, LeBron, Cam Reddish, Taurean Prince, and Austin Reaves. Ham used the same starters against Memphis. However, like he did before the Memphis game, Ham deflected any criticism after falling to Miami. “It’s a little bit of everything right now. We’re not executing. That team played harder than us tonight, executed better than us tonight, more physical than us tonight. We got outworked tonight, so it’s a bit of everything right now,” Ham said.

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Lakers & Darvin Ham Suffering A “Disconnect” Due To Coach’s Lineup Decisions

January 4, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Per Shams Charaina, there is a “growing disconnect” between the Lakers roster and coach Darvin Ham over the latter’s lineup choices. “There’s currently a deepening disconnect between Darvin Ham and the Lakers locker room, six sources with direct knowledge of the situation say, raising questions about the head coach’s standing. The people spoke with The Athletic on condition of anonymity so that they could speak freely on the matter. Those sources have described that the disjointedness between the coach and team has stemmed from the extreme rotation and starting lineup adjustments recently from Ham, leading to a fluctuating rhythm for several players across the roster,” Charaina and Jovan Buah wrote for The Athletic.

The Lakers fell to 2-8 in their last 10 games as Ham started Anthony Davis, LeBron, Cam Reddish, Taurean Prince, and Austin Reaves against a Jimmy Butler-less Miami Heat. However, Ham deflected any direct criticism after the loss. “It’s a little bit of everything right now. We’re not executing. That team played harder than us tonight, executed better than us tonight, more physical than us tonight. We got outworked tonight, so it’s a bit of everything right now,” Ham said.

LeBron Blasts NBA For Missing “Obvious” Three

There’s currently a growing disconnect between Darvin Ham and Lakers locker room stemming from disjointedness around rotation and adjustments, per me and @jovanbuha.

Story at @TheAthletic on Lakers, losers of 3 in row, nine of 12 and now under .500: https://t.co/shM7alh3xy

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 4, 2024

Meanwhile, the Lakers have simply been unable to catch a break for the past month or so. LeBron put the NBA on blast after a seemingly game-tying three-point was ruled as a two-pointer against the Timberwolves on December 30. Trailing 107-104, LeBron hit what he thought was a game-tying three. However, the bucket was ruled as a two and the Lakers would go on to lose 108-106 after Anthony Edwards drew a game-sealing foul. “What the hell do we got replay for? What do we have replay for if even the replay gets it wrong? It’s just like, who is a part of the replay center? Like, do we got robots in there making Teslas? Like, what’s going on?” LeBron lamented, discussing the NBA’s replay system.

Furthermore, LeBron argued it was an obvious three. “I mean, it’s obvious it’s a 3. My foot was behind the line. You can see the space between the front of my foot and the 3-point line. You can clearly see the wood on the floor, the space in between the front of my foot and the 3-point line. Stevie Wonder can see that, champ,” LeBron continued. However, the floor chief disputed LeBron’s claims after the game. “The play was ruled a 2-point field goal on the floor during live play. After video review, there wasn’t clear and conclusive evidence to overturn it from a 2 to a 3, and that’s why it stood as a 2-point field goal,” Tony Brothers said.

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Darvin Ham Declares Teams That Passed On Him “F*cked Up Royally”

July 12, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Darvin Ham is entering his second season as an NBA head coach. After over a decade as a bench coach, Ham was named as the successor to Frank Vogel. He led the Lakers all the way to the Western Conference Finals in this first season, despite the team entering the playoffs as a seven-seed. Furthermore, Ham demonstrated his ability to manage veteran players like LeBron and AD.

However, Ham’s name had been floating around as a head coach candidate for several years prior to the Lakers grabbing him. In fact, as many as 10 teams considered Ham before passing on him. While speaking to ESPN‘s Marc J. Spears, Ham had a very clear message for those teams.

Ham Blasts Teams That Didn’t Hire Him

“I listed the teams that, according to my unofficial count, had interviewed Ham without offering him their head coaching job. All nine of them. My list featured the Celtics, Hornets, Bulls, Pacers, Timberwolves, Magic, Kings, Wizards, and Clippers,” Spears wrote in his newsletter on Substack. Reportedly, Ham then added the Hawks as a tenth team. In reference to this list, Ham told Spears that all of the teams listed had “fucked up royally” in not hiring him. As for the Lakers, Ham is very clearly on a championship or bust path while he still has LeBron. The team has signed Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Heyes, Taurean Prince, and Cam Reddish this offseason. However, 2024 might be their last chance to win with LeBron.

The consensus opinion among pundits is that LeBron will likely push for a trade next offseason to join Bronny on whatever team drafts him. It’s unlikely that the Lakers will have the chance to grab him. If they pick too high in the first round, the Pelicans will likely use their option to take the pick for themselves. However, too low a pick in the first and it’s unlikely that Bronny would still be on the board. Essentially, the Lakers would have to aim for a first-round playoff exit or low lottery finish to acquire Bronny.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Los Angeles Lakers Select Darvis Ham as Next Head Coach

May 28, 2022 by newhiphopnews

The Los Angeles Lakers have found their next head coach and LeBron James is excited. According to ESPN, Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham has agreed to a four-year deal to become the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Adrian Wojnarowski notes Ham became the standout candidate in recent dates leading to the offer. The Lakers brass believes Ham’s stature and toughness, in addition to his championship experience as both a player and a coach, be a proper fit for the franchise. Ham also worked with the Lakers from 2011-2013.

Ham will now take on the task of coaching Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, and James, the latter of who welcomed the coach on Twitter.

“So damn EXCITED!!!!!!!! Congrats and welcome Coach DHam!!” James tweeted online.