Former head coach Darvin Ham of the Los Angeles Lakers has drawn attention following his candid remarks about the team’s decision not to extend his contract. Ham expressed frustration over the lack of recognition for his accomplishments during his time with the team.
“To do as well as I did… I swear to God, anywhere else I’m probably looking at an extension,” Ham stated. “They go from not making the playoffs to the Conference Finals, and we won the in-season tournament… people always talk about us losing to Denver, but they don’t talk about how we got to Denver. We beat a kick-ass young squad in Memphis, and we beat Stephen Curry and Golden State.”
Achievements and criticism under the leadership of Darvin Ham
Ham’s time with the Lakers was marked by a dramatic turnaround. The team transformed from missing the playoffs to reaching the Conference Finals, a notable achievement in itself. Additionally, the Lakers claimed victory in the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament, a milestone Ham believes underscores his coaching impact.
Despite these accomplishments, Ham faced criticism for his approach. Analysts questioned his in-game adjustments and his handling of superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Critics argued that his strategies failed to maximize the team’s potential, ultimately contributing to their postseason shortcomings.
Broader context
Ham’s broader coaching record includes a championship winning stint as an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks, further emphasizing his capability as a coach. This success highlights what he sees as a lack of recognition for his Lakers tenure. While opinions on his performance remain divided, his ability to navigate a team in flux and deliver results speaks volumes.
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