Among the three contenders, LeBron James is said to have given his approval to Darvin Ham, while Rob Pelinka and Sean Marks’ encounter is fascinating
The Lakers have narrowed their search for a new head coach to three candidates, one of whom is said to have LeBron James’ approval. Meanwhile, a meeting between the two front-office officials for the Lakers. Nets at the draught combine might raise some concerns.
Los Angeles Lakers Rumor Roundup; Darvin Ham is LeBron James’ Choice, A Meeting Occurred Between The Lakers and Nets
LeBron James has chosen Darvin Ham:
In their hunt for a new head coach, the Lakers have narrowed their options to three candidates: Milwaukee assistant Darvin Ham, Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson, and former Portland head coach Terry Stotts. Ham is the lone former Laker among the three and appears to be the current leader.
According to Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic, Ham has made the best impression among the finalists thus far. Now, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus identified a league insider who highlighted a major Ham supporter.
Details:
Because Ham spent two years with the Lakers, the Lakers may be prepared to take that risk. His charisma is difficult to forget. Ham is a high-energy gym member. With veterans like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and perhaps Russell Westbrook in need of a coach they can connect to and respect, he’s likely the greatest match for the locker room.
Ham will have to lay out his basketball vision in general and in relation to the Lakers’ current squad. If he can sell that aspect to the team’s front staff, he may be hired.
This isn’t the first time LeBron James is said to have given his approval to Darvin Ham. During the Lakers’ hunt for a new head coach in 2019, Ham got the backing of LeBron James and Klutch Sports. The team eventually hired Frank Vogel, who was more than competent. But this demonstrates how long Ham has been considered for head coaching positions.
Now, Ham isn’t the only person LeBron has signed off on, nor is he the first. Mark Jackson was LeBron’s first choice in the process, and he is also the only applicant the Lakers have interviewed who has been eliminated.
Clearly, LeBron’s endorsement won’t mean everything, but it will almost certainly mean something. What appears to be evident is that Ham is the current frontrunner for the position.
A fascinating meeting of minds:
Even when they make their ultimate selection on a head coach, the Lakers will be active this offseason. The Russell Westbrook issue will loom. And the club is still a few personnel changes away from contending after missing the playoffs and the play-in game this season.
The fact that Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka spoke with Nets general manager Sean Marks at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago should be fascinating.
As fascinating and thrilling as this sounds before you rush to the trading machine. Keep in mind that situations like this happen all the time during the combine. Along with the Summer League, it’s one of the rare opportunities for front office professionals to meet together in one central area.
After that, what kind of package is Brooklyn willing to part with in exchange for Westbrook? Who could say no to a Kyrie Irving for Russell Westbrook trade? The Nets? Kevin Durant, perhaps?
Between Kyrie and LeBron, there has been some public mending of fences. Their time together in Cleveland came to an end quickly, but Kyrie recently expressed remorse over leaving the Cavs. And not having a connection with LeBron.