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Quick Bytes
- Former Lakers Head Coach Darvin Ham joins Milwaukee Bucks as top assistant to Doc Rivers.
- Ham’s move follows the Lakers’ decision to part ways with him despite postseason appearances.
- UConn’s Dan Hurley is the Lakers’ top target for head coaching role, though not yet official.
- Jaxson Hayes reflects on his growth and challenges during the 2023-24 season with the Lakers.
Coaching Carousel: Darvin Ham’s New Chapter and Lakers’ Search for Leadership
After a stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, Darvin Ham has swiftly transitioned to a new role as the top assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks under Doc Rivers.
The Lakers, led by Rob Pelinka, are in the midst of their third coaching search since 2019, with UConn’s Dan Hurley currently in their sights. Ham’s departure comes despite leading the team to two consecutive postseasons, including a Western Conference Finals appearance. His new position with the Bucks marks a return to familiar territory, having previously played and coached there, and maintains his strong ties with players like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
While Ham had other opportunities, including a potential reunion with Mike Budenholzer at the Phoenix Suns, he opted for the Bucks. Despite taking an assistant role, the Lakers remain financially responsible for the remaining two years of his contract. Ham is anticipated to be a head coaching prospect again in the future, but for now, he settles back into a well-known role in Milwaukee.
Amid these coaching shifts, Lakers’ Jaxson Hayes shared insights into his personal growth and the challenges he faced during the 2023-24 season, crediting Ham for his development. Hayes’s journey from inconsistent minutes to a more defined role underscores the ongoing evolution within the Lakers’ roster.
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