The Los Angeles Lakers’ recent struggles have sparked rumors about the future of head coach Darvin Ham, especially after their recent losses to the Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies. Amid reports of a growing disconnect between Ham and his players due to his constantly changing lineups and rotations, rumors about a potential coaching change are increasing.
Despite the disconnect, there are no clear signs that the Lakers will part ways with Ham. His past success, including leading the team to the Western Conference Finals last season after a 2-10 start, suggests he can still lead the team. However, if the Lakers decide to make a change, Phil Handy the assistant coach is being considered as a possible replacement.
Via Sam Amick of The Athletic- “When you talk to people closer to the situation, it’s Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy who is more often brought up as a possible pick. But again, we’re not there quite yet.”
“When you talk to people closer to the situation, it’s Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy who is more often brought up as a possible pick. But again, we’re not there quite yet.”
H/T @sam_amick pic.twitter.com/nlq4WLUCMW
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) January 5, 2024
Handy, known for his player development skills and expanding role in recent years, has expressed his desire to lead a team. His popularity within the Lakers organization among players, fans, and staff positions him as a strong contender.
Darvin Ham will continue to look for the best starting lineup for the Lakers
Despite the circulating rumors and increasing pressure on his job security, Darvin Ham is committed to finding the best starting lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers. Injuries and on-court struggles have forced Ham to experiment with various combinations this season.
Last year, the Lakers found success with a lineup that included D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Austin Reaves alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, this lineup hasn’t been seen much this season due to injuries. Vanderbilt has been limited to 14 games due to a heel issue, and Russell is currently out with a bruised tailbone.
Darvin Ham on the possibility of going back to a lineup of DLo, Austin, Vando, LeBron and AD, which has some continuity from last season:
“No stone shall go unturned We’re here to explore whatever we can to right the ship.”
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) January 4, 2024
In a post-game interview after the recent loss to the Miami Heat, Ham stated that he is open to all possible lineup options. “Absolutely, I think everything is on the table that makes sense. Like I said, we’re here to explore. No stone shall go unturned. We are here to explore whatever we can to right the ship.”
The challenge for Ham and his coaching staff is to find a stable rotation that can build continuity within the roster. The coming games will be crucial for Ham as he tries to get the Lakers back to winning games.