The L.A. Lakers’ Coaching Conundrum: A Crossroads for Darvin Ham and the Potential Replacements

When Darvin Ham inked a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, he knew he was entering one of the NBA’s most prestigious organizations. Yet, coaching the Lakers comes with a unique set of pressures that can overwhelm even the most seasoned professionals.

Despite early success, including winning the first in-season tournament and defeating the Indiana Pacers, the Lakers have hit a rough patch.

Their once-promising record has dwindled to 3-9 since their tournament victory, with four losses in their last five games. The lone win during this period came against an injury-ridden Charlotte Hornets on December 28th.

Fans are growing frustrated with Ham’s inability to make critical adjustments, and the recent addition of Austin Reaves has only added fuel to the fire.

A recent Instagram post by Sams Charania has raised concerns about Ham’s future. Charania’s post suggests a growing disconnect between Ham and the Lakers’ locker room, stemming from issues with rotations and adjustments.

With the possibility of Ham’s firing on the horizon, the burning question is, who will step in to lead the Lakers? Let’s explore some potential candidates.

Candidate 1: Doc Rivers Last year, Doc Rivers, the former head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, found himself without a job after an underwhelming postseason. Despite Joel Embiid winning the regular season MVP, the Sixers fell in the Conference semi-finals for the third consecutive year, leading to Rivers’ dismissal. However, his familiarity with the Los Angeles culture, having spent a decade coaching the Clippers, makes him an attractive option to replace Ham.

While Rivers’ championship-winning ability has been questioned due to his recent track record, his presence could stabilize the Lakers and potentially form a strong bond with LeBron James, leading to championship success. History has shown that LeBron can carry a team through the playoffs with the right pieces around him.

Candidate 2: Mike Budenholzer Mike Budenholzer’s potential hiring by the Lakers is intriguing, given his coaching success, particularly with the Milwaukee Bucks.

His defensive acumen could provide the Lakers with the edge they need. However, concerns about his stubbornness and resistance to in-game adjustments should not be overlooked, as evidenced by his surprising departure from the Bucks after a first-round playoff exit.

Budenholzer’s experience and defensive prowess could transform the Lakers into a defensive powerhouse, complementing their existing roster. With his coaching style, the Lakers may aim for a more old-school approach.

Candidate 3: Phil Handy As we contemplate the Lakers’ future, the notion of Phil Handy stepping into the spotlight as head coach presents an intriguing twist.

Imagine Handy, the assistant coach who has played a crucial role in the Lakers’ journey, taking the reins and preserving the continuity established during the Ham and Vogel eras.

What sets Handy apart is his reputation as perhaps the NBA’s most player-friendly coach. Beyond Xs and Os, he dedicates his summers to player development, making him a valuable asset in that regard.

However, the question remains: can Handy seamlessly transition from a skilled coach to successfully managing the complexities of leading an NBA team?

Unlike Ham, known for his defensive expertise when joining the Lakers, Handy’s suitability for a head coaching role remains untested. The absence of a track record raises concerns about his ability to handle the broader responsibilities of leading a team. Despite the uncertainty, Handy’s potential appointment could signify a commitment to continuity and player development within the Lakers’ organization.”