Everyone can agree that the Los Angeles Lakers made the right decision by hiring Darvin Ham as the team’s new head coach. Despite some inexperience in the role, he spent years working behind Mike Budenholzer in Milwaukee and is said to have “wowed” the Lakers with his Xs and Os.
He will, no doubt, make a huge difference in the success of the team next season:
“He’s going to be honest as a coach of the Lakers, which is what I think you need in the NBA today — somebody that’s going to be honest but know how to be honest without actually just tearing you down,” said Chauncey Billups on the Ham hire. “What can you say? He’s won as a player. He’s won as a coach. I mean, this dude is more than qualified for the task at hand. I’m so happy and proud of him. I spoke to him last night, and he was so excited. He’s ready for this job. He’s the right guy for this Lakers job.”
Despite the move, however, there are still those who doubt the Lakers will be good with Russell Westbrook on the team. On First Things First on Monday morning, NBA analyst Chris Broussard warned the Purple and Gold against keeping the star guard for another run:
“Of all of the names that were out there, Darvin Ham was the guy to go with for the Lakers. It was a great hire. But now there are all these rumblings out there they they’re gonna keep Russ. I think they kind of have to have a plan B. So plan how you’re going to use Russ if you have to keep him, but if you end up having to keep Russ cause you can’t trade him, then have a plan C where if it’s not working early, just release him. Don’t sabotage your entire season if, after 2-3 weeks, it’s the same old thing as last year… but the Lakers have to try to move Russ, or I don’t see this being too much different from what we saw last year.”
"Of all of the names that were out there, Darvin Ham was the guy to go with for the Lakers. It was a great hire. … The Lakers have to try to move Russ, or I don't see this being too much different from what we saw last year." — @Chris_Broussard pic.twitter.com/m4LRM8T8ni
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) May 30, 2022
For whatever reason, the Lakers are reportedly leaning towards keeping Westbrook around, even if it makes things difficult throughout the season.
But if his play holds the team back for the second straight year, it could have some major implications on the season and the future of the organization itself.
