Darvin Ham Hired as Lakers Head Coach

Ham Helped Lead Team to Championship in 2021

Former Player, Assistant Coach Now Leads Storied Franchise

The Los Angeles Lakers have hired Darvin Ham as their next head coach, sources told The Times on Friday. The decision came after Ham met with the Lakers on Thursday in Los Angeles, capping a whirlwind coaching search that began with the firing of Frank Vogel in April.

Ham, 48, has been an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks for the past four seasons, helping the team win the NBA championship in 2021. He also spent five seasons as an assistant coach with the Atlanta Hawks from 2013 to 2018.

As a player, Ham was a member of the Detroit Pistons' championship team in 2004. He also played for the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, and Dallas Mavericks during his 12-year NBA career.

Ham's hiring is a significant move for the Lakers, who are looking to rebound from a disappointing season in which they finished 33-49 and missed the playoffs. Ham is known for his defensive acumen and his ability to develop young players.

The Lakers are hoping that Ham can help them return to contention for the NBA championship. The team has not won a title since 2010 and has not advanced past the first round of the playoffs since 2012.