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Days after the team was eliminated in the first round of the NBA Playoffs by the Denver Nuggets, the Los Angeles Lakers today fired coach Darvin Ham.
``We greatly appreciate Darvin's efforts on behalf of the Lakers and recognize the many accomplishments achieved over the past two seasons, including last year's remarkable run to the Western Conference Finals,'' Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka said in a statement. ``We all want to thank Darvin for his dedication and positivity.
``While this was a difficult decision to make, it is the best course of action following a full review of the season. This organization will remain unwavering in its commitment to deliver championship-caliber basketball to Lakers fans around the world.''
Ham led to the Lakers for two seasons, compiling a 90-74 record. Ham played college ball at Texas Tech and played for eight seasons in the NBA, including stints with the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Bucks, Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers and Denver Nuggets. He was been an NBA assistant coach for more than a decade, including a 2011-13 stint with the Lakers. He was an assistant for the Atlanta Hawks before joining the Bucks coaching staff as an assistant in 2018, remaining there until he was hired as Lakers coach to replace the ousted Frank Vogel.
The Lakers lost to the Nuggets 108-106 on Wednesday to end their playoff hopes, losing the series 4-1. It was the second straight year the Nuggets eliminated the Lakers. The Nuggets went on to win the NBA title last year.