The Los Angeles Lakers have addressed one of their biggest issues this offseason and secured a new head coach that will try to take them to the top spots in the Western Conference again. On Friday night, it was reported that Milwaukee Bucks’ assistant coach Darvin Ham would take the reigns of the team for next season.
After Frank Vogel’s departure from the Purple and Gold, the Lakers had many candidates to take over and coach LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, and co. Mark Jackson, Doc Rivers, Kenny Atkinson and Terry Stotts were some of the names linked with the team, but they ultimately sided with Ham.
LeBron James, who was reportedly keen to bring Doc Rivers to the squad, took to Twitter to send a message to coach Ham, showing his excitement with the new acquisition, which leaves the Lakers with fewer problems to solve:
“So damn EXCITED!!!!!!!! Congrats and welcome Coach DHam!! #LakeShow “, the King tweeted.
However, he wasn’t the only one that reacted to this news. One of Ham’s former players couldn’t hide his excitement with the announcement, claiming it was about time for him to get his chance in the league, while warning the Lakers that Ham won’t be playing games.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had a big reaction to this news, congratulating his former coach and wishing him nothing but good things on this new adventure:
On the Lakers hiring of Bucks assistant Darvin Ham, Giannis Antetokounmpo tells ESPN: “I’m so happy for him. He’s the right fit for them. He keeps it real with you. No BS at all. It’s about damn time. He deserves it more than anyone.”
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 28, 2022
“I’m so happy for him. He’s the right fit for them. He keeps it real with you. No BS at all. It’s about damn time. He deserves it more than anyone.”
The Lakers become another team that signs a young former player to lead them to the promised land. Some teams have become competitive again after making a similar decision and the team’s front office hopes that Ham can have the same impact on his players.
After a tumultuous season, the Lakers needed to make some changes and the head coach appeared to be one of the most urgent to address. Well, now they got their guy, and it’s time to work on the roster ahead of a very challenging 2022/23 season.
