Who is the Los Angeles Lakers’ new head coach?

The Los Angeles Lakers had a dismal season, and had been scrambling to find a replacement for Frank Vogel who was fired as head coach after the team missed the playoffs.

After interviewing several prospects, the Lakers have signed on Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham, according to multiple sources.

LeBron James expressed his approval of the choice in a tweet. “So damn EXCITED!!!!!!!! Congrats and welcome Coach DHam!!’ he enthused.

Ham edges out experienced head coaches

The candidates were narrowed down to former Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts, former Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson, and Ham, who was chosen despite having less experience.

According to The Athletic’s Shamas Charania, he will be signing an agreement for four years with the Lakers.

Ham: Experienced NBA player and coach

Ham played as a small forward in the NBA before his career shift to coaching. He started his coaching days in the league with the Lakers as an assistant, working with Phil Jackson from 2011 to 2013.

He moved to the Atlanta Hawks in 2013 to become their assistant coach, helping them make it to the NBA playoffs for two consecutive years. Ham then moved to Milwaukee in 2018 to follow head coach Mike Budenholzer. Under the leadership of this tandem, the Bucks had their best record since 1972, and also won their second NBA championship.

Ham will have a lot on his plate on his first year as a head coach after the team’s lackluster performance this season, but the Lakers believe he will be up to facing the challenge.