As the Los Angeles Lakers face a challenging stretch with four consecutive losses, the pressure on head coach Darvin Ham has intensified, prompting speculation about a potential coaching change. Fans on social media have been vocal in pointing fingers at Ham, expressing their dissatisfaction with the team’s recent performance.
The leaked odds indicate the following contenders for the Lakers’ head coaching position:
Phil Handy: +350
Juwan Howard: +600
Jared Dudley: +750
Kenny Atkinson: +750
Sam Cassell: +750
Jamahl Mosley: +800
Quin Snyder: +800
JB Bickerstaff: +1000
Steve Clifford: +1000
Mike Brown: +1600
Billy Donovan: +2000
LeBron James: +2500
Mark Jackson: +2800
Terry Stotts: +2800
Chris Finch: +3300
Jeff Van Gundy: +5000
Stan Van Gundy: +5000
Skip Bayless: +100000
In response to the growing calls for Ham’s removal, odds for the next Lakers head coach have been leaked, with Phil Handy emerging as the frontrunner. Handy, currently an assistant coach with the Lakers since the 2019-20 season, has a connection with LeBron James, having previously worked as an assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers during James’ second stint there.
Ham, appointed as the Lakers’ head coach after the tumultuous 2021-22 season, has faced criticism despite showing promise during the team’s impressive run to the Western Conference Finals last season. The decision to hire Ham, who lacked previous head coaching experience, was seen as a departure from a more seasoned option.
The Lakers started the current season with a 3-5 record, but a strategic lineup change that included moving Austin Reaves to the bench and promoting Cam Reddish to the starting lineup seemed to provide positive momentum, resulting in a victory in the NBA Cup.
Despite injury challenges over the past two months, the Lakers are nearing full strength, and the upcoming schedule offers opportunities for a turnaround. However, if the team continues to struggle, the calls for Ham’s departure are likely to intensify, potentially leading to a coaching change in the near future.
What Does Darvin Ham Need To Change?
Darvin Ham, facing increased scrutiny amid the Los Angeles Lakers‘ recent struggles, needs to address several key issues to turn the team’s fortunes around this season. One notable concern has been Ham’s reluctance to adjust the rotation, even when faced with ineffective performances from certain players. This lack of flexibility, particularly on the offensive end, has frustrated fans, with the Lakers ranking 24th in offensive rating at 111.6 and 25th in 3-point shooting percentage at 30.5%.
Criticism has been directed at Ham’s persistence with D’Angelo Russell and Taurean Prince during challenging games, while other capable players like Christian Wood and Rui Hachimura are at times underutilized. The questionable decision to rest LeBron James and Anthony Davis for extended periods, sometimes concurrently, has also raised eyebrows among fans.
To address these concerns, Ham needs to establish a more effective and adaptable rotation that maximizes the team’s strengths and adjusts to opponents’ defensive strategies. Finding a balance in player rotations, ensuring key contributors see adequate playing time, and optimizing the offensive flow are crucial aspects that Ham must address.
Furthermore, the Lakers’ offensive struggles highlight the need for additional shooting talent. Exploring the market for reliable shooters who can contribute consistently from beyond the arc would complement Ham’s efforts to enhance the team’s offensive efficiency.
In summary, Darvin Ham must be proactive in refining the Lakers’ rotation, addressing player usage, and finding solutions to their offensive challenges. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for Ham to demonstrate adaptability and make strategic adjustments that can propel the Lakers back into contention in the competitive Western Conference.
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