The Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise steeped in tradition and success, are at a crossroads. Following a disappointing season that culminated in a first-round exit from the NBA playoffs, the Lakers made the difficult decision to part ways with head coach Darvin Ham. Now, as the dust settles and the offseason looms large, the Lakers find themselves in search of a new leader to guide their star-studded roster back to championship contention.
Assessing the Departure of Darvin Ham
Darvin Ham’s tenure as head coach of the Lakers was marked by highs and lows. Hired in May 2022, Ham brought with him a wealth of experience as a former assistant coach with the franchise. However, despite his pedigree, Ham struggled to replicate the success of his predecessors. With a regular-season record of 90-74 and a postseason record of 9-12 over two years, Ham failed to meet the lofty expectations set by the Lakers organization.
The decision to part ways with Ham was not taken lightly. Following the team’s elimination from the playoffs, Lakers executives, including vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka, conducted a thorough postmortem of the season. Exit interviews with players revealed a consensus that change was needed at the coaching position to maximize the championship window presented by the LeBron James-Anthony Davis partnership.
The Quest for a New Head Coach
With Darvin Ham’s departure, the Lakers find themselves in need of a new leader to chart the course forward. The search for a replacement is already underway, with several candidates emerging as early frontrunners.
Mike Budenholzer: A Championship Pedigree
One name that stands out is Mike Budenholzer, a seasoned veteran of the coaching ranks. Budenholzer’s resume speaks for itself, with a championship ring earned during his tenure as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. Prior to his time in Milwaukee, Budenholzer served as an assistant coach under Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs, winning four additional championships along the way.
Budenholzer’s coaching style is characterized by a strong emphasis on defense, a trait that could appeal to the Lakers given their defensive struggles in recent seasons. However, questions linger about his ability to make timely adjustments in the playoffs, a criticism that was also leveled at Darvin Ham during his time with the Lakers.
Kenny Atkinson: A Rising Star
Another intriguing candidate is Kenny Atkinson, currently serving as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors. Atkinson’s coaching journey has taken him from the New York Knicks to the Brooklyn Nets before landing in Golden State. Widely regarded as one of the top assistant coaches in the league, Atkinson’s reputation for player development and strategic acumen make him a compelling option for the Lakers.
Despite his successes, Atkinson faces questions about his ability to command a locker room at the NBA level. With the Lakers boasting a roster filled with veteran talent, Atkinson would need to prove that he has the leadership qualities necessary to guide the team to success.
JJ Redick: A New Perspective
A wildcard in the coaching search is JJ Redick, the former NBA player turned ESPN broadcaster and podcast host. While Redick lacks coaching experience, his basketball IQ and ability to communicate effectively make him an intriguing candidate for the Lakers. Redick’s close relationship with LeBron James could also work in his favor, providing him with a built-in ally in the locker room.
However, the transition from player to coach is not always seamless, and Redick would face a steep learning curve in his new role. The Lakers would need to weigh the potential upside of hiring a fresh perspective against the inherent risks of bringing in a first-time head coach.
Other Considerations and Potential Candidates
In addition to Budenholzer, Atkinson, and Redick, several other candidates have been mentioned as potential options for the Lakers’ coaching vacancy. Tyronn Lue, the current head coach of the LA Clippers, could become available if the Clippers exit the playoffs early. Lue boasts championship-winning experience coaching LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers and is respected for his ability to manage egos and make in-game adjustments.
Charles Lee, an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics who previously worked under Budenholzer with the Bucks and Hawks, is also reportedly under consideration by the Lakers. Lee’s familiarity with Budenholzer’s coaching style could make him an appealing candidate for a team looking to maintain continuity on the sidelines.
Conclusion
As the Los Angeles Lakers embark on their search for a new head coach, they face a myriad of challenges and opportunities. With the LeBron James-Anthony Davis partnership representing their best chance at championship success, the stakes could not be higher for the Lakers organization.
Whether they opt for a seasoned veteran like Mike Budenholzer, a rising star like Kenny Atkinson, or a new perspective like JJ Redick, the Lakers must choose wisely. The next head coach will be tasked with harnessing the talent and potential of the roster while navigating the pressures of coaching in one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.
In the end, the decision will not only shape the immediate future of the Lakers but also define their legacy for years to come. As the coaching search unfolds, one thing is certain: the eyes of the basketball world will be fixed firmly on Los Angeles, awaiting the announcement of the next leader to guide the purple and gold to glory.
