Darvin Ham enjoyed a moderately successful two-season spell with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2022 to 2024. After leading the franchise to the West Finals in his rookie season, Ham saw his influence on the roster deteriorate throughout last season. After their first-round exit in 2024, Ham was promptly fired and replaced by JJ Redick.
With Redick having success while the former Lakers coach Ham had to return to being an assistant coach on the Bucks. Current Bucks head coach Doc Rivers revealed Ham is approaching their Thursday night game against the Lakers as if it’s a ‘revenge game.’
Bucks coach Doc Rivers asked if Darvin Ham views this game as a revenge game against the Lakers. Doc deadpanned: “Yeah, he wants to kick the Lakers’ ass.”
Ham might be approaching it as a revenge game, but he has to remember he’s on the coaching staff, not leading it. No matter how motivated he is, coach Rivers is the final shot-caller in Milwaukee. If Rivers lets Ham take the lead in this game because of ‘revenge,’ it’d be a little foolish as the Bucks need to maximize every win they can.
With Luka Doncic and most of the Lakers starters not playing the game, the Bucks have a chance to steal a win. If that is the case, coach Rivers will definitely control the team’s game plan while Ham chimes in with his thoughts and suggestions. We hear about ‘revenge games’ from coaches, but I can’t recall the last time someone said an assistant coach was having a revenge game.
Coach JJ Redick likely won’t treat the game with any extra significance. It makes sense for him to do so, as Rivers was his head coach when he played for the LA Clippers and because he replaced Ham on the Lakers.
A rivalry with Doc Rivers is far more plausible than a rivalry with Darvin Ham given JJ Redick has publicly trashed Rivers as a coach but has not had much to say about Ham. It’s clear Redick is more focused on just ensuring the team puts one foot in front of the other at this point in the season.
Redick has led the Lakers to 43-25 this season. He will surpass Ham’s rookie season win total with one more win on the season despite 14 games still remaining. In addition, if he crosses the 47-win mark, it’ll be more regular season wins in a season than Ham managed.
Redick could also be the first Lakers coach since Frank Vogel in 2019-20 to win 50 games in a season.
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