Should the Lakers Avoid Firing Darvin Ham and Look to Rebuild the Whole Team?

The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the most storied franchises in NBA history. They are a franchise that is synonymous with success and star-power. Several basketball legends like Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant have donned the famous purple and gold jersey. The Lakers boast the record for the highest number of NBA championships, having secured 17 titles, joint most with the Boston Celtics.

The current iteration of the Lakers have added another banner to the rafters, not for an NBA title but for winning the inaugural edition of the In-Season tournament. Their NBA Cup triumph increased hopes of an 18th NBA title. However, since that joyous night, the Lakers form has been nothing short of abysmal, losing 10 of their last 13 games. This form has relegated them to the 11th spot. Their lofty ambitions of an NBA title look like a far-fetched dream now. Furthermore, this has increased pressure and scrutiny on their head coach, Darvin Ham. Despite leading the Lakers to a Western Conference final last season and winning the In-Season tournament this season, many Lakers’ fans think that Ham isn’t the right man for the job. But would parting ways with him improve the Lakers’ fortunes?

Should the Lakers fire Darvin Ham?

The Lakers have dug themselves into a hole and getting out of it could prove to be very challenging. They must promptly address glaring issues within their roster if they still harbor ambitions of winning the championship. Firing Darvin Ham will be the easy way out because there are much bigger problems on hand. Ham has proved his tactical acumen on several occasions. If he is given a competent roster, Ham can work wonders. But, at the moment, the current composition of the Lakers roster has too many weaknesses.

However, on the flip side, performances by the Lakers have looked disjointed and devoid of any offensive inspiration. Despite having the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the roster, the Lakers have been one of the worst offensive teams in the league. Furthermore, reports have emerged of growing disconnect between the players and the coaching staff.

Poor performances, coupled with growing discontent within the locker room, have tested the patience of the Lakers’ faithful. But Darvin Ham has urged calm. After succumbing to yet another defeat, this time to the Grizzlies, Ham said, “This is the NBA, man, this is a marathon. You have to look at the totality of the picture. I’m tired of people living and dying with every single game we play. It’s ludicrous. Actually, Like, come on, man, this is a marathon.”

Despite the current dismal form, Ham has earned some leeway because of his past results.

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Can Ham lead an improbable turnaround?

At the moment, it looks like the Lakers’ hierarchy would give Ham some time to turn their current form around. In a post-match press conference, Ham said, “I’m solid. My governor, Jeanie Buss, the boss lady; our president, Robert Pelinka — we’re all aligned.” However, this doesn’t mean that Ham has unequivocal support of the hierarchy. His job is hanging by a thread and he must quickly address the Lakers’ alarming slump.

During Darvin Ham’s tenure, the Lakers have always been defensively solid. Currently, they are the 10th-best defensive team in the league, with a defensive rating of 113.6. On the contrary, one of the biggest problem areas for the Lakers is their offense. Other than LeBron and Austin Reaves, the Lakers severely lack a player who can consistently create his shot. This has led to their offense being stagnant. They have the 7th worst offense in the league, with an offensive rating of 112.4.

The Lakers’ hierarchy needs to orchestrate a blockbuster trade for an offensive stud if they want to complete an improbable turnaround. Reports have emerged that stars like Zach LaVine, Pascal Siakam, Dejounte Murray are all on the trade block. Any one of these stars would massively improve their chances for a playoff spot. However, the Lakers might have to trade away fan favorite, Austin Reaves, to complete such a blockbuster trade. Darvin Ham’s time may be running out, and if the Lakers continue to deliver disappointing results like the loss to the Grizzlies, they could show him the door.

Who can replace Ham if he gets the sack?

With the Lakers’ recent dismal form, it is safe to suggest that the Lakers’ hierarchy would be scanning the coaching market for possible replacements. Having said that, Ham’s assistant, Phil Handy’s name, has popped up in recent reports of a possible replacement. Although Handy may not have the necessary pedigree of a top-class coach, he is well aware of the dressing room equations, which might come in handy (no pun intended).

2021 title-winning coach Mike Budenholzer could also be in the fray. He has the CV and the pedigree to coach a team like the Lakers. Furthermore, he has the experience of working with stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. He could get the best out of LeBron and Anthony Davis.

Kenny Atkinson is another coach who is linked to the Lakers. Atkinson has gained a reputation for getting the best out of each player. Under his leadership, D’Angelo Russell blossomed into a star. While coaching the Nets before the arrival of Kevin Durant, Kenny Atkinson guided the team to an unexpected playoff berth. However, he also has a reputation for being a no-nonsense coach, which stars do not prefer. It is anyone’s guess who might be the Lakers’ coach come the trade deadline.

Wwho’s your pick? Let us know in the comments below!

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