“Can’t Be Scared”: Only 11 Years Older Than 38YO LeBron James, Lakers Coach Darvin Ham Sheds Light on Coaching the 4x NBA Champion

What does it feel like to coach LeBron James? This question is on the mind of many people. The King is going to enter his 21st season and will turn 39 in December. The veteran is famous for affecting roster decisions, insisting on players he wants. There is no way around displeasing James because he commands a lot of power and influence in the league. Darvin Ham had an enormous challenge when he took the head coaching job for the Lakers, being just around 11 years older than Bron.

As James had a reputation for not getting along with head coaches, how did Ham navigate such a big ask?

Coaching LeBron James needs courage

Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach Darvin Ham sat down with former Knicks reporter Frank Isola and veteran reporter Sarah Kostuk. During Sirius XM’s NBA Radio program, Kustok asks Ham about his experience as a head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James. The 2004 NBA champion replied, ”I think you have to come in and embrace it.”.

He goes on, “You can’t be scared of it. You can’t shy away from it. You just have to embrace and everything that comes with it. Like I said, I’d have to work, I have got nothing easy during my whole time, 26 years, 27 years, this August of me being in the NBA. Coming in as an undrafted player, played eight years. My first three contracts make good, so I am used to the hard work. I come from a hardworking family”.

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He also added that LBJ and AD both allow themselves to be coached and buy into what the team is doing. “And once it clicked for them,” he continued, “it was easy for everyone. I can’t thank those two guys enough, man, for supporting us and supporting our vision. Showing up focused.”

The coach also credited GM Rob Pelinka and Owner Jeanie Buss for being “on the same page” with him to make things work.

LeBron doesn’t always get along with Head Coaches

While Ham’s “hardwork” and James’ seemingly flexible approach helped pave the way for the West Finals run after a terrible start, LBJ has had many clashes with coaches.

In his book Shaq Uncut, Shaquille O’Neal stated that coach Mike Brown, who coached the legendary player for five out of his seven seasons, held no sway over him.

Meanwhile during his second coming to the Cleveland Cavaliers, his disrespect for coach David Blatt grew to gigantic levels and he consistently took over huddles.

It isn’t like the coaches have let him dictate the matters Champion coach Tyronn Lue asked him to “shut the f*ck up” in a practice to let the scoring leader know who is in charge.

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This was right after his elevation to the head position when the Cavs sacked Blatt. Therefore, Ham had a lot on his plate before coming to the Lakers.