“Bring Back Choking Coaches”: Gilbert Arenas and Nick Young Believe It’s ‘Time to Fry the Ham’ for Lakers

LeBron James and Co. got a much-needed win against the Los Angeles Clippers yesterday. Despite LeBron James and Anthony Davis averaging 25.2 points per game each this season, the Lakers are 10th in the Western Conference with an 18-19 record. Their role players have failed to step up their game and support their superstars to rack up more wins. There have also been rumors about the Lakers wanting to part ways with head coach Darvin Ham amid the recent struggles.

Former NBA players Gilbert Arenas and Nick Young added fuel to the Darvin Ham rumors after witnessing the head coach’s absurd decisions against Kawhi Leonard and Co.

Gilbert Arenas and Nick Young have seen enough of Darvin Ham

Former LA Lakers star Nick Young was a guest on the Gil’s Arena Podcast hosted by NBA legend Gilbert Arenas. During the episode, the two players discussed the Lakers’ win over the Clippers. Despite LeBron James and Co. coming out with a win, Arenas and Young were shocked about Darvin Ham making no adjustments to improve the lineup. Nick Young claimed it was time to fire the Lakers head coach. “It’s time to fry the Ham,” Young said. The Lakers were on a 4-game losing streak before yesterday’s win. The players are reportedly frustrated at Darvin Ham for their place in the rotation and playing minutes.

Arenas supported Young’s comments and had an unusual appeal for the NBA. “They need to bring back choking coaches.” The Washington Wizards legend hilariously responded. According to Arenas, if a player sees Ham subbing in players like Jarred Vanderbilt for him, they should be allowed to choke the head coach. Vanderbilt continued his abysmal form and scored only 2 points in 21 minutes.

Arenas was probably referring to the time when Latrell Sprewell choked his head coach, P. J. Carlesimo.

Read More: “Thankful” Draymond Green Lauds LeBron James for Lending Massive Support During Tough Suspension Period

NBA’s historic choking incident

There have been times in the NBA when a player’s frustration towards his head coach has gone out of hand. One such incident occurred on December 1, 1997. Former Warriors point guard Latrell Sprewell attacked head coach P.J. Carlesimo during practice and began choking him following a verbal confrontation. The two had to be separated by the people in the facility. Sprewell was told to leave practice to calm down and gather himself, but he returned after some time and punched his head coach.

The league suspended Sprewell for an entire year for attacking P. J. Carlesimo. The suspension was later reduced to 68 games, costing the point guard nearly $6 million. Hopefully, the situation in the Lakers locker room has not gone to that extent.

Do you think the Lakers should fire Darvin Ham and find a new leader to turn their season around?

Watch This Story: 39-Year-Old LeBron James Ends 2023 High and Way Above Fellow Veteran Stephen Curry in Elite NBA List