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SOURCE SPORTS: Lakers Fire Darvin Ham After Two Questionable Seasons

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Darvin Ham 2

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. 

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Lakers Fire Darvin Ham After Two Questionable Seasons first appeared on The Source.

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JJ Redick And Ty Lue Among Names Considered For New Lakers Head Coach

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After their exit from the playoffs, the Lakers have officially fired Darvin Ham. Now, the LA franchise is looking for its next head coach. According to reports, the Los Angeles Lakers have started an “extensive” search for a new head coach to succeed Darvin Ham. Darvin Ham coached the Lakers for two seasons, leading them to the Western Conference title last year and two play-in wins in two years. The first-round exit sealed Ham’s fat, and now, the search is on for the next Lakers head coach. 

Candidates reportedly include former Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson, and most interestingly, ESPN analyst JJ Redick and current Clippers coach Ty Lue. JJ is currently doing a podcast with LeBron James and someone LeBron respects in the basketball world. Ty Lue won a championship with LeBron in Cleveland and is one of the coaches who got the best out of the 39-year-old vet. 

Read More: LeBron James & JJ Redick To Premiere First Episode Of Their “X’s & O’s” Podcast “Mind The Game”

JJ Redick And Ty Lue Are Lakers Coach Candidates

Many fans believe LeBron is grooming JJ Redick as the next Lakers coach because of their podcast Mind The Game. LeBron and JJ talk about basketball, dissecting plays and trends and looking at the game from a pure and knowledgeable point of view. JJ and LeBron have chemistry on the pod, so maybe they will be on the sideline. The Charlotte Hornets recently expressed interest in JJ becoming their head coach. The Lakers will also jump at the chance to scoop up Ty Lue if he becomes available. The Lakers need a lot more than just a new coach, and this offseason will address their many issues.

The Lakers still need to sort out LeBrons future. LeBron James has a $50 million player option next year. He has expressed that he wants to play with his son, Bronny. The Lakers may take Bronny in the 2024 NBA draft to make Lebron’s dream come true and keep the King happy. Overall, the Lakers need a coach, but also a lot more. It has been reported that they will attempt to overhaul their roster this summer so a new coach will have a better team, in theory. 

Read More: JJ Redick To Interview For Charlotte Hornets Head Coaching Position

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SOURCE SPORTS: Lakers Turned Down Idea of ‘Big 3’ Even As LeBron Pushed to Add Another Star

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LeBron James Raps Along to Kendrick Lamar's "Like That" Verse and Drops 40 Points

It may be a little early to think about roster upgrades while the NBA Playoffs get deeper into the postseason, but not if you’re the Los Angeles Lakers. One would think adding a third star alongside King James and Anthony Davis, who showed up in a big way against the Nuggets, makes sense. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, that ain’t happening for now.

“Some within the Lakers organization have been hesitant about pursuing a three-star strategy, leaning instead towards bolstering depth,” Buha said on The Athletic NBA Show. Buha also asserted James’ historical support for adding a third star but stressed that recent discussions have been cautious, to say the least.

Since the trade deadline, the road to securing a third star has become more complex. With D’Angelo Russell looking like he may opt for free agency, any potential acquisition would probably require a sign-and-trade involving him alongside other veteran contracts for salary-matching purposes. Complicated is an understatement. This would also devalue the Lakers’ draft-pick flexibility in the future.

And with James’ impending 40th birthday in December and Davis’ history of injuries, the Lakers face a crucial decision. They must balance their focus for an immediate championship contention with the practical plan for a post-LeBron era.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Lakers Turned Down Idea of ‘Big 3’ Even As LeBron Pushed to Add Another Star first appeared on The Source.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Jamal Murray Sends Lakers to Cancun with Second Game Winner of the Series

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Jamal Murray Sends Lakers to Cancun with Second Game Winner of the Series

In a thrilling display of determination and skill, Jamal Murray led the Denver Nuggets to a series-clinching victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite battling a calf strain, Murray’s resilience shone through as he sank his second game-winning shot of the series with just 3.6 seconds remaining, securing a 108-106 win in Game 5.

Murray’s performance etched his name in NBA history as the only player in the play-by-play era to make two game-winning field goals in the final five seconds of a playoff series. With 32 points, seven assists, and five 3-pointers in 41 minutes, Murray delivered when it mattered most.

 “I didn’t want to sit,” Murray said. “The training staff, they’re really cautious with it, they don’t want it to get worse. I was like ‘I’m not gonna leave my brothers out there.’ I got a little emotional in the back. I was like ‘I’m not sitting.’”

Nuggets Coach Michael Malone added, “He just told me, ‘I’m glad I played because I don’t know if we win if I don’t play tonight.’ I said, ‘Well, that’s the understatement of the year.”

You can watch the final five minutes of the game below.

Supported by standout performances from Michael Porter Jr. and Nikola Jokic, who combined for 51 points, Murray showcased his leadership and clutch ability on the court. Jokic’s dominant 25-point, 20-rebound, and 9-assist performance marked his second 25/20/5 game of the series.

The Nuggets ‘ resilience and tenacity prevailed despite the Lakers’ formidable efforts, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers’ halftime leads in each game were nullified by Denver’s strong finishes, exemplified by a decisive 21-10 run in the third quarter of Game 5.

With their sights set on the Conference Semifinals, the Nuggets prepare to face the Minnesota Timberwolves. Game 1 promises to be an electrifying showdown on Saturday in Denver as Murray and the Nuggets look to build on their momentum and continue their quest for NBA glory.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Jamal Murray Sends Lakers to Cancun with Second Game Winner of the Series first appeared on The Source.

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

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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

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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

darvin ham
Los Angeles, CA – January 17: Lakers head coach Darvin Ham, left, congratulates Lakers forward. Anthony Davis, #3, during their 110-127 win over the Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. Also Lakers won 110-127. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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

darvin ham
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 13: Head coach Darvin Ham and also LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles. Lakers watch from the sidelines during the first half against the Boston Celtics at Crypto.com Arena on December 13, 2022, also in Los Angeles, California. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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 Erupts On Darvin Ham As Lakers Beat Nuggets With Caleb Williams Sitting Courtside

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LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were finally able to beat the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, ending an 11-game losing streak against the defending NBA champions. The first overall pick in this week’s NFL Draft, Caleb Williams, sat courtside for the game. With the win, the Lakers extend their playoff hopes to at least another game, although no team in history has come back down 0-3.

“We get another opportunity to go play one more game, and if we win, come back and play another one and keep moving from there,” Lakers guard Austin Reaves said afterward. “Odds aren’t stacked in our favor, but anytime we can keep ourselves floating above water and give ourselves an opportunity to do something special, we’re up for the challenge.”

Read More: LeBron James’ Tattoo Artist Loses Lawsuit Against NBA 2K Game Publisher

LeBron James Reacts To An Out Of Bounds Call

Los Angeles, CA – April 27: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after going out of bounds against the Denver Nuggets in the first half of game 4 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 27, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

The win comes despite a heated viral exchange between LeBron James and Lakers coach Darvin Ham in the fourth quarter. As James went for a steal against Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the former Laker threw the ball out of bounds, but referees called it Nuggets ball. James wanted Ham to challenge the ruling, but he refused. After the game, Ham told reporters: “We deserved this tonight. We’ve just got to bottle it up and keep pushing and understand it can be our time. Why not us? Every new game is a new opportunity to be more competitive and more together and more selfless.”

LeBron James Furious After 4th Quarter Call

Game 5 between the Lakers and Nuggets will tip-off in Denver on Monday night. Be on the lookout for further updates on the NBA Playoffs on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: LeBron James Livid With Officiating Following Game 2 Loss

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SOURCE SPORTS: Lakers Season on Life Support After 11th Straight Loss to Nuggets

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Lakers Season on Life Support After 11th Straight Loss to Nuggets

In a stunning display of resilience, the Denver Nuggets secured a Game 3 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, extending their win streak over the Lakers to an impressive 11 games. Despite facing a double-digit deficit for the third consecutive game, the Nuggets emerged triumphant with a final score of 112-105.

Aaron Gordon led the charge for the Nuggets, delivering a Playoff career-high performance with 29 points and 15 rebounds. He was supported by a formidable quartet of Nuggets players, including Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr., each contributing over 20 points to the team’s victory.

Gordon and Jokic made history as the first teammates to achieve at least 20 points and 15 rebounds each in the same Playoff game since 2011. With their dominant performance, the Nuggets now have the opportunity to sweep the Lakers for the second consecutive Playoffs, a feat not achieved since LeBron James’ Cavaliers swept the Raptors in 2017 and 2018.

Despite Anthony Davis’ consistent scoring efforts for the Lakers, posting his third-straight 30/10 game in the series, and LeBron James’ commendable performance with 26 points and 9 assists, the Lakers struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 5-for-27 from deep.

“You come out with the mindset, ‘Let’s get one, force a Game 5, and then we go from there,’” James said. “As long as you still have life, then you obviously have belief. I just think you play ’til the wheels fall off.”

As the Lakers face an uphill battle, trailing 0-3 in the series, they aim to defy the odds and become the first team in NBA history to overcome such a deficit to win a series. The pivotal Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday, marking a crucial moment in their quest for redemption.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Lakers Season on Life Support After 11th Straight Loss to Nuggets first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Lakers Season on Life Support After 11th Straight Loss to Nuggets appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Murray’s Buzzer Beater Seals Nuggets’ Game 2 Victory Over Lakers

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Murray's Buzzer Beater Seals Nuggets' Game 2 Victory Over Lakers

Jamal Murray delivered a jaw-dropping performance, capping off the Denver Nuggets’ thrilling comeback against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 with a sensational game-winning shot. Murray’s 15-foot fadeaway jumper over Anthony Davis’ outstretched arm, dubbed the Tissot Buzzer Beater, sealed the Nuggets’ 104-101 triumph.

Murray erupted for 14 points in the final 9:19 of the game, finishing with 20 points. His heroics were complemented by Nikola Jokic’s monstrous triple-double of 27 points, 20 rebounds, and ten assists. Michael Porter Jr. also contributed significantly with 22 points and nine boards.

“That’s Jamal Murray right there,” said Nuggets Coach Michael Malone. “He can struggle, he can struggle, he can struggle. He sees one go in and he’s never shying away from the moment, the spotlight.”

Jokic’s performance marked a historic milestone, as he tied Wilt Chamberlain for the most games with 20+ points, 20+ rebounds, and 10+ assists in playoff history, achieving his fourth in just 70 career playoff games.

Despite the Lakers’ efforts, led by Anthony Davis’ 32 points and 11 rebounds and LeBron James’ near-triple-double of 26 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds, they fell short in the face of the Nuggets’ relentless onslaught.

Meanwhile, in another electrifying matchup, the New York Knicks stunned the Philadelphia 76ers with a late rally in Game 2, securing a 104-101 victory at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks’ trio of Brunson, Hart, and DiVincenzo combined for an impressive 64 points, overshadowing Joel Embiid’s historic performance of 34 points and ten rebounds. This marked his 15th playoff game with 30+ points and 10+ rebounds, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain for the most in Sixers history.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Murray’s Buzzer Beater Seals Nuggets’ Game 2 Victory Over Lakers first appeared on The Source.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Lakers Secure 7th Seed in Playoffs with Victory Over Pelicans

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Lakers Secure 7th Seed in Playoffs with Victory Over Pelicans

In a thrilling showdown against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Los Angeles Lakers secured the 7th seed in the playoffs with a hard-fought victory. The Lakers emerged victorious in a rematch against the Pelicans, clinching a playoff berth and extinguishing New Orleans’ postseason hopes.

Led by stellar performances from LeBron James, D’Angelo Russell, and Anthony Davis, the Lakers displayed resilience and determination throughout the game. Despite facing a formidable opponent, they rallied together to secure a 110-106 win, sealing their place in the playoffs. James finished with 23 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Davis added 20 points and 15 rebounds, and Russell had 21 points.

The game saw intense back-and-forth action, with the Lakers showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive prowess. A crucial 32-8 run in the first half propelled the Lakers into the lead, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter.

Although the Pelicans fought valiantly, the Lakers maintained their composure and never relinquished their lead. Key plays from LeBron, Davis, and Russell ensured the Lakers’ victory, thwarting the Pelicans’ attempts to seize control of the game. Zion Williamson had a dominant 40 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists to lead a comeback but left the game due to injury in the fourth quarter.

“He’s a generation player, generational talent,” James said of Williamson. “Tonight was just a small microcosm of how great he can be.”

The win sets up a highly anticipated first-round matchup between the Lakers and the defending champion Denver Nuggets. With the Lakers aiming to end their eight-game losing streak against the Nuggets, the upcoming series promises to be a showdown of epic proportions.

As the Lakers prepare to face off against the Nuggets, fans eagerly anticipate another thrilling chapter in the storied rivalry between the two teams. With both sides vying for supremacy, the stage is set for an exhilarating battle in the NBA playoffs.

You can see the final four minutes of the Play-In game below.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Lakers Secure 7th Seed in Playoffs with Victory Over Pelicans first appeared on The Source.

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Megan Thee Stallion’s Scintillating Courtside Fit Led An Older Man To Get Caught Staring

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Earlier this week, Megan Thee Stallion showed up to sit courtside for a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves. She showed up in an all-black fit that had people buzzing online, but they weren’t the only ones. In a video making the rounds online of Megan when she first walked up to her seat, she briefly stops to pose for some photos once she gets there. It’s in that clip that fans spotted someone who can’t help but take in the look she’s serving up.

While Megan Thee Stallion throws up a peace sign and poses for a photo, a man sitting behind her got caught staring. Another fan taking a video happened to perfectly catch their extended glance at Megan’s look. One fan grabbed a screenshot and replied with a pretty hilarious tweet. “I am him. He is us,” the caption of his post reads. It comes attached to a hilarious zoomed in picture of his face. Check out the hilarious tweet and fan reactions to it below.

Read More: Megan Thee Stallion Stuns In Motivational-Themed Nike Ad

Man Caught Staring At Megan Thee Stallion

Megan may not have seen the hilarious video of the man staring at her yet. That’s because she revealed her approach to social media in an interview earlier this week. She revealed that she keeps Instagram off of her phone as an important social media boundary. But she also pointed out that she does love one social media quite a bit, Pinterest.

One of the most talked about moments of her night at the Lakers game had nothing to do with her outfit or the man caught staring at her. That came when Lakers star D’Angelo Russel came crashing into the stands after avoiding landing on a photographer and bumped right into Megan. What do you think of the man getting caught staring at Megan Thee Stallion while she poses for pictures? Do you agree with the tweet claiming that the man represents everyone online? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Who Has Megan Thee Stallion Dated?

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