Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Insider provides timeline for 'likely' firing of Darvin Ham

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 5/2/24

Darvin Ham is likely to be fired by the Los Angeles Lakers.

His two seasons with the franchise haven't resulted in a championship run, although not everyone believes Ham is to blame for that. The Denver Nuggets ended LeBron James' chances at a fifth championship ring on both occasions.

According to The Athletic's Jovan Buha, who was speaking on Thursday's episode of 'The Athletic NBA Show,' the Lakers could part ways with Ham by the end of the current week.

"My sense is nothing has changed on that front in terms of the Lakers' plans," Buha said. "As we reported, the Lakers wanted to do their due diligence over the 24 to 72 hours or so after being eliminated. And really just think it over, make sure they were not making a rash decision...The latest I've heard is the plan is still to move on from Darvin at some point, likely by the end of the week. Potentially as early as [Thursday]. Then, the head coaching search will start."

One name that has already been mentioned as a potential candidate is JJ Redick. Ty Lue has been floated as a potential replacement, too, although that would prove difficult as he is still under contract with the L.A. Clippers.

Whenever the Lakers front office decides on Ham's future, it must take its time to find his replacement. The team's roster is constructed to contend for a championship, and whoever they hire to replace Ham will be walking into a pressure cooker environment—the same environment that has been part of Ham's downfall.

Expectations will be sky-high as long as James is on the roster with Anthony Davis. The Lakers need an experienced coach to steady the ship and guide them forward. This summer could be pivotal in viewing the final years of James' career in the NBA. The Lakers owe it to him to give him the best possible chance of success. And that starts with making a smart coaching decision.

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