The Los Angeles Lakers have been something of a mixed bag under head coach Darvin Ham.
In the regular season, the team has consistently underperformed. Obviously, they made a post-NBA Trade Deadline run last year, but this season they have struggled mightily.
Moreover, Ham has clashed with some key members of the squad and vetoed what could have been a big move at the NBA Trade Deadline.
On the positive side, though — Ham did make it all the way to the Western Conference Finals last year.
Still, it is hard to know how much of that is because of him and how much of it is because of LeBron James.
Understandably, James is reportedly tired of having to carry the Lakers on his back. That has manifested itself in him apparently undermining Ham.
“[James] sits in the huddle and gets his rest/water, rolls his eyes as Ham speaks and waits for the huddle to break,” a source told Lakers insider Anthony Irwin. “If Ham ever does draw up a play, as soon as the huddle breaks, James will tell everyone else on the court with him ‘f— all that’ and calls a play of his own.”
As a result, Ham’s job is very much on the line this year. If the Lakers don’t make a dent in the playoffs, Ham’s time in Los Angeles is done.
“Per sources speaking on the condition of anonymity, Ham’s job is still very much safe this season, but if the Lakers don’t make the playoffs (meaning, secure the sixth seed or win their way into an actual playoff series), that could change as soon as this summer,” Irwin added.
Baker Mayfield’s Wife Emily’s Latest No Shirt Photos Cause A Stir: https://t.co/0kkmZyHt1Q
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“Rob Pelinka’s focus is still squarely on this season, sources say, and conversations about Ham’s future have yet to truly commence.”
Will Ham be able to salvage his job going forward? Time will tell.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
