Darvin Ham’s two seasons coaching the Los Angeles Lakers were nothing short of a Hollywood blockbuster. Filled with drama, ups and downs, and unexpected twists, Ham’s time with the Lakers was a rollercoaster ride. And now, for the first time, Ham is opening up about his experience with the team and how he was treated during his tenure.
In a recent interview with Andscape, per Legion Hoops, Ham didn’t hold back his thoughts about his time with the Lakers. He said, “To do as well as I did… I swear to God, anywhere else, I would have been a head coach by now.” These words speak volumes about the challenges and obstacles Ham faced during his time with the Lakers.
Ham joined the Lakers as an assistant coach in 2019, alongside head coach Frank Vogel. With a successful playing career in the NBA and coaching experience in the G-League, Ham seemed like the perfect fit for the Lakers. However, things didn’t go as planned for him.
In his first season with the team, the Lakers were plagued with injuries, and they failed to make it to the playoffs. Despite this, Ham’s contributions to the team were recognized, and he was praised for his work ethic and dedication. But things took a turn for the worse in his second season.
The Lakers had a disappointing start to the 2020-2021 season, and Ham was often the scapegoat for the team’s struggles. He was constantly criticized by fans and media, and rumors of tension between him and the players started to surface. Despite this, Ham remained professional and continued to work hard to help the team improve.
However, in March 2021, the Lakers made the shocking decision to fire Ham. This news came as a surprise to many, especially considering the team’s struggles and the fact that Ham had been a loyal and hardworking member of the coaching staff. And now, for the first time, Ham is speaking out about how he was treated by the Lakers.
In the interview, Ham revealed that he was blindsided by the decision to let him go. He said, “I was shocked. I was disappointed. I was hurt.” It’s clear that the way the Lakers handled his departure left a bitter taste in Ham’s mouth. But despite this, he remains grateful for the opportunity to work with the team.
Ham also expressed his frustration with the lack of diversity in coaching positions in the NBA. He said, “It’s frustrating that I’m not a head coach by now. It’s frustrating that I’m not even in the conversation.” This is a sentiment shared by many in the basketball community, as the lack of diversity in coaching positions is a long-standing issue in the NBA.
But despite the disappointment and frustration, Ham remains positive and focused on his future. He is determined to continue working hard and prove himself as a capable head coach in the NBA. And with his experience and dedication, there’s no doubt that he will achieve his goal.
As for the Lakers, they have yet to comment on Ham’s remarks. But one thing is for sure, they have lost a valuable member of their coaching staff. Ham’s departure is a loss for the team, and it’s clear that he will be missed by players and fans alike.
In the end, Ham’s story serves as a reminder that success in the NBA is not just about wins and losses. It’s also about the relationships and experiences that are formed along the way. And despite the challenges and setbacks, Ham’s time with the Lakers will always be a part of his journey, and it has undoubtedly made him a stronger and more resilient coach.
In conclusion, Darvin Ham’s departure from the Lakers may have been filled with drama and disappointment, but it has also given him the opportunity to speak his truth and share his experience. And with his determination and positive attitude, there’s no doubt that he will continue to make a mark in the NBA, whether as a head coach or in another role. As for the Lakers, they have lost a valuable member of their coaching staff, but they have also gained a valuable lesson in treating their employees with respect and fairness.
