The Los Angeles Lakers got their new head coach with the hiring of Darvin Ham, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Prior to joining the Lakers, he served as an assistant to defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks. He has worked under Milwaukee head coach Mike Budenholzer since 2013, when the pair was with the Atlanta Hawks.
This isn’t Ham’s first time working for Los Angeles. He was an assistant for the Lakers from 2011 to 2013. He takes over a team that fell short of expectations last season, when Los Angeles finished 33-49 and missed the playoffs. He replaces Frank Vogel, dismissed by the team in April.
Lakers superstar LeBron James was among the first players to welcome his new coach to the team.
So EXCITED!!!!!!!! Congratulations and welcome Coach DHam!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 #LakeShow💜💛
— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 28, 2022
Trae Young, who has a history with Ham since his time in Atlanta, has also praised him for the role.
“That Major..Congrats D Ham!”
Trae young
The first-time head coach played eight NBA seasons for six teams and won a championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004.
During Ham’s stint in Detroit, he played four games against James, who was with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Lakers legend Magic Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for the new addition.
“I’m thrilled the Lakers just hired Darvin Ham as their coach. Congratulations!!”
Earvin Magic Johnson
Some of Ham’s former players like Bobby Portis and Thon Maker were among those who weighed in on Twitter.
Coach Ham congratulates OG 🤞🏿💯 https://t.co/5f9jfBOAKc
— Bobby BP Portis (@BPortistime) May 28, 2022
I’m very happy for my guy DHam!!
A big congratulations for the Lakers spot✊🏿💯— Tuna Maker™ (@ThonMaker14) May 28, 2022
Congratulations to Darvin Ham…He waited his turn and did everything right!!! Great rental for Laker Nation…💯💯💯
— DeMarre Carroll (@DeMarreCarroll1) May 28, 2022
Yes sir!!!!!!! https://t.co/bifSHot66j
—Kenny Baze (@24Bazemore) May 28, 2022
Long time ahead!!!!!! https://t.co/5luIPvkBxG
— Jason “The Jet” Terry (@jasonterry31) May 28, 2022
D.ham well done!🎊
– 35 (@Chriswood_5) May 28, 2022
Great hire, D Ham is a great coach and person. The best in Michigan! Congratulations Dr Ham. https://t.co/P2Ttq8S4l7
— Wilson Chandler (@wilsonchandler) May 28, 2022
