Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Lakers reportedly don't want to pay for top-tier head coach if Darvin Ham fired

Originally posted on Fadeaway World | By Vishwesha Kumar | Last updated 4/29/24

The Lakers are facing uncertainty not only on the court but also on the sidelines as reports suggest they may be hesitant to pay for a top-tier head coach. With Darvin Ham's job security potentially in jeopardy following a lackluster performance in the playoffs, the Lakers find themselves at a crossroads in their coaching decisions as per Adrian Wojnarowski.

"If you are a head coach of the Lakers and you get swept in the first round/lose in 5, you’ve got job security issues. Darvin Ham will have that. Here’s what the Lakers will have to look at: who’s out there?

"Budenholzer is the most accomplished coach that’s available. The lakers have not shown a willingness to pay for a head coach. If they get swept/lose in 5, it will be part of the conversation."

While optimism persists within the organization about the possibility of staging a historic comeback from a 3-0 deficit against the Nuggets, the reality remains that the odds are stacked against them. Even with the potential injury to Jamal Murray for Game 5, winning three consecutive games to salvage the series is a daunting task.

Woj details that the Lakers' apparent reluctance to invest in a high-profile head coach. Despite the availability of accomplished coaches like Mike Budenholzer, the Lakers have yet to demonstrate a willingness to allocate significant resources toward securing top coaching talent.

As the Lakers assess their coaching options in the wake of a disappointing playoff campaign, the specter of job security looms large for Darvin Ham and potentially other coaching candidates. A premature exit from the playoffs could prompt a reassessment of the coaching staff and lead to tough decisions regarding the direction of the team.

Ultimately, the Lakers find themselves at a pivotal juncture, balancing the desire for immediate success with the need for long-term stability. Whether they choose to invest in a proven head coach or opt for a more cost-effective option will have significant implications for the future of the franchise.

As they prepare for Game 5 against the Nuggets, the Lakers must confront not only their opponents on the court but also the challenges looming on the coaching front

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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