Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers recently voiced his strong disagreement with the Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to fire Darvin Ham. Rivers described the move as “literally making no sense” given Ham’s accomplishments during his tenure with the Lakers.
Ham, who was appointed as the Lakers’ head coach in 2022, led the team to impressive results. Under his leadership, the Lakers made it to the Western Conference Finals and secured a victory in the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament. These achievements highlighted Ham’s ability to maximize the team’s potential and navigate the highly competitive Western Conference.
Rivers, who has extensive experience as a head coach, including winning an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008, emphasized Ham’s value and the positive impact he had on the team.
“He took a team to the Western Finals, and then the following year, he won the in-season tournament, which they say we should have a lot of value on, and then they release him,” Rivers said. “It literally makes no sense, but it happens. It happens to all of us.”
Since his departure from the Lakers, Ham has joined the Milwaukee Bucks as a lead assistant coach. Rivers has been vocal about his appreciation for Ham’s contributions to the Bucks, praising his deep understanding of the game and his ability to connect with players.
“Darvin is a coach’s coach. He understands the game at a high level and knows how to get the best out of his players. We’re fortunate to have him on our staff,” Rivers added.
The contrasting views of Ham’s tenure highlight the challenges coaches face in the NBA. Success is often measured by immediate results, and the pressure to win can sometimes overshadow the importance of stability and continuity. Rivers’ defense of Ham underscores the complexities of coaching in a league where job security is frequently uncertain.
As the Lakers move forward under new head coach JJ Redick, the debate over Ham’s firing continues to be a topic of discussion. Redick’s appointment has been met with optimism, and the team is hopeful that his detailed and structured approach will bring the Lakers back to championship contention. Meanwhile, Ham’s impact on the Bucks is eagerly anticipated, as he works alongside Rivers to guide the team to success.
