LeBron James wasn’t pleased with Lakers coach Darvin Ham earlier this season. Despite no apparent doubts about his job security, Ham’s tenure hasn’t been without its challenges. According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, even LeBron James was growing impatient with coach Ham during the team’s struggles this season.

“There was some buzz in NBA circles that James wasn’t happy with head coach Darvin Ham when the team struggled earlier in the season. If the Lakers don’t win a playoff series this year, will James try to make the team pick between him and the coach,” wrote Pincus.

Ham joined the Lakers in 2022 with the task of improving team chemistry, particularly between Russell Westbrook and the rest of the roster. Under Ham’s leadership, the Lakers made a memorable run to the Western Conference Finals in the same season, demonstrating resilience and proving their competitiveness. He also guided them to victory in the play-in tournament last December, cementing their place in basketball history once more.

However, the Lakers currently find themselves in a more serious position as they head towards the Western Conference play-in. Inconsistencies and lackluster performances have led to a drop to 9th place in the West standings. As they face a challenging battle for their postseason survival, Ham’s coaching future hangs in the balance. The outcome of the coming months and how the Lakers fare against tough Western Conference opponents will likely determine Ham’s fate as coach.

Is Darvin Ham On The Hot Seat?

LeBron James, at 39, feels the weight of expectations to secure another championship before retirement, and the Lakers are determined to prove their readiness for the challenge. With Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell anchoring the team, they possess the core of a championship contender, and LeBron’s potential return for another season could bolster their competitiveness.

However, with so much on the line, the Lakers cannot afford any missteps, especially in choosing the right coach. While LeBron hasn’t openly criticized Darvin Ham, his actions suggest growing dissatisfaction, leading to speculation about a potential coaching change. An early playoff exit in April could be the catalyst for LeBron to endorse a new coaching direction. The pressing question now is: who is the best candidate?

Amidst the uncertainty, rumors abound that several players support promoting assistant coach Phil Handy to the head coaching role. Whether it’s Handy, Kenny Atkinson, or another candidate, the Lakers must make a prudent choice to maximize the potential of their star-studded roster. Darvin’s future with the team hangs in the balance, contingent on the outcome of the upcoming summer and the Lakers’ performance in the highly competitive Western Conference bracket.