Darvin Ham Threw D'Angelo Russell Under The Bus On His Exit Interview

Darvin Ham's comments during the Lakers' exit interview shed light on the challenges faced by the team during the 2023-24 season. With key players in and out of the lineup due to injuries, maintaining a consistent rotation became a significant obstacle for the coaching staff.

"It’s been extremely challenging. Everyone that’s been in and out of the lineup. Being criticized for not having a consistent rotation when I don’t have consistent healthy bodies." 

"The thing that frustrates me, and I love this job, I love the pressure that comes with it, I’ve always been calm in the midst of chaos … common sense tends to go out the window when you talk about my job in particular."

"It’s amazing how people just skip that core part of having a consistency with your lineup is all predicated on health and performance. If you’re coaching a team and one of your starters is like 10 games in a row, just s**ting the bed, what are you going to do?"

While not naming specific players, Ham's remark about a starter struggling for 10 consecutive games likely points to D'Angelo Russell, who experienced a turbulent stretch during the season. Russell's inconsistent performance led to him being benched mid-season, only to return later and showcase exceptional play, particularly in shooting from beyond the arc.

Despite Russell's struggles, he had a decent season statistically, averaging 18.0 points and 6.3 assists while shooting efficiently from the field and three-point range. He has said that he will consider his Lakers' future as he has a player option for the next season.

The frustration among Lakers players over Ham's decisions, particularly regarding Russell and Austin Reaves, further highlights the scrutiny faced by the coaching staff. Ham defended his approach, emphasizing the challenge of maintaining a consistent lineup amidst injuries and fluctuating performances.

However, the lack of continuity in the lineup arguably hindered the Lakers' ability to optimize player performance and secure a higher seed in the Western Conference. Consequently, the team found itself in a tough position, facing the defending champion Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs.

The Lakers' recent struggles against the Nuggets, losing 11 of their last 12 meetings, underscore the need for reflection and potential changes within the coaching staff. While Ham has achieved moderate success with the team, questions loom over his ability to guide the Lakers to postseason success.

As the Lakers ponder their coaching decisions in the offseason, they must weigh the team's recent playoff shortcomings against its overall regular-season performance under Ham's leadership. With a 90-74 record in the regular season and a 9-12 mark in the playoffs, the Lakers face a critical decision regarding the future direction of their coaching staff.

Shams Charnia Says Lakers Are Likely To Fire Darvin Ham

According to Shams Charania, the future of Darvin Ham as the head coach of the Lakers appears bleak. Sources suggest that his job status is in jeopardy, with it being highly unlikely for him to return to lead the team.

Several factors contribute to this looming decision. The persistent disconnect in rotations, game plans, and adjustments throughout the season has been a cause for concern. Additionally, the team's performance following the in-season tournament, where they suffered a significant slump with losses in 10 out of 13 games, has intensified scrutiny on Ham's coaching abilities.

Furthermore, the controversial benchings of key players like Austin Reeves and D'Angelo Russell in December and January have raised internal and external questions about Ham's decision-making and management of personnel.

The Lakers management holds the belief that the team possesses the talent necessary to achieve greater success this season. However, their underwhelming performance and failure to secure a higher seed have led them to reassess their coaching situation.

In response to the perceived shortcomings in coaching, the Lakers are expected to adopt an aggressive approach in the coaching marketplace. This suggests that they are prepared to explore alternative coaching options in pursuit of a leader who can better harness the talent of the team and guide them to a more successful outcome.

The decision to part ways with Ham reflects the organization's commitment to achieving its goals and maximizing the potential of its roster. As they embark on the search for a new head coach, the Lakers will prioritize finding a candidate who can instill a cohesive strategy, foster effective player development, and ultimately propel the team to greater heights in the upcoming seasons.

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