Darvin Ham Talks About Lakers Firing For The First Time

Photo: Darvin Ham (Instagram)

Darvin Ham, the former head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, spoke out for the first time since being let go this summer. After two years leading the Lakers, Ham was fired despite having a 90-74 record and making the playoffs twice. Both of those playoff runs ended in losses to the Denver Nuggets, first in the Western Conference Finals, then in the first round.

Ham's overall record wasn’t bad, especially for a first-time head coach. He won more games than he lost and came close to making the NBA Finals. However, he couldn’t fully get the players to follow his lead, which led to him being fired. Some also felt he wasted two great seasons from LeBron James and a healthy Anthony Davis.

Now, Ham is back with the Milwaukee Bucks as an assistant coach under Doc Rivers. In his first public comments since being fired, Ham told ESPN he has no hard feelings toward the Lakers.

Photo: Darvin Ham (Instagram)

“When they hired me, the team wasn’t in great shape, and I think it got better during my time there,” Ham said. “I gave everything I had to improve the team from where it was — 33-49. We made the Western Conference Finals in one year, and even with injuries, we still made the playoffs the next year. I’m grateful and wish the Lakers nothing but the best.”

While there doesn’t seem to be any bad blood between Ham and the Lakers, it was clear that his time as head coach was over. Ham now has a new role with the Bucks, and the Lakers have moved on with JJ Redick as their new head coach.

Doc Rivers, Ham’s current boss, said he didn’t understand why the Lakers let Ham go. Rivers praised Ham’s time with the Lakers and expressed confusion over the team’s decision.

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Source: Lakers Nation