Photo Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Budenholzer Praises His Former Assistant, Now Lakers Head Coach Darvin Ham

The Los Angeles Lakers started the 2021-21 season with high expectations, but after an abysmal season, the team finished their campaign with a 33-49 record, which ultimately curbed their playoff hopes.

The early exit raised a lot of questions, and one of them included whether head coach Frank Vogel still was the right guy to coach the team. The Lakers front office came to the conclusion that it was time for a change, leading to Vogel’s determination.

Then, in the offseason, the Lakers have found their new head coach. Long-time Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham was able to convince the Lakers in their head coaching interviews and will become the new commander-in-chief.

Ham was no stranger to the franchise, as he began his coaching career in the NBA with the Lakers as an assistant back in 2011.

Yesterday, Ham and his Lakers played against his former tam, the Milwaukee Bucks, for the first time. The Lakers were able to keep the positive trend going and beat the 2021 champions in one of the best games of the season.

After the game, Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer praised his longtime former assistant:

“(Darvin’s) a leader. Even as an assistant here, a great leader. He has an unbelievable combination of toughness and grit. Nobody wants to be on the wrong side of Darvin. At the same time he’s incredibly caring and thoughtful.”

Mike Budenholzer on his longtime former assistant: “(Darvin’s) a leader. Even as an assistant here, a great leader. He has an unbelievable combination of toughness and grit. Nobody wants to be on the wrong side of Darvin. At the same time he’s incredibly caring and thoughtful.”

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 2, 2022