The Los Angeles Lakers have wasted no time identifying a scapegoat for another disappointing season. Bangla Cricket Live reports that head coach Darvin Ham has officially been dismissed after two turbulent years, with his entire coaching staff—including respected trainer Phil Handy—also shown the door. While Ham’s tenure wasn’t a total failure, especially considering the team’s persistent injury concerns and frequent roster reshuffling, the front office has clearly decided that change is necessary.
In fairness, Ham guided the Lakers to the playoffs in both of his seasons, even with LeBron James and Anthony Davis frequently battling health issues. But as a rookie head coach, Ham’s in-game adjustments and locker room leadership were called into question. His attempts to project authority didn’t earn him the trust or respect of key players, and rumors of internal friction only intensified during this year’s playoffs. Rather than restructure the entire roster, the Lakers opted for the easier route—pinning the blame on the coach.
With Ham gone, the market has quickly filled with potential replacements. Among the names linked to the Lakers are championship-winning coach Mike Budenholzer, veteran Kenny Atkinson, podcast co-host and LeBron confidant JJ Redick—who has zero head coaching experience—and even Tyronn Lue, a familiar figure to LeBron. It’s important to note that LeBron James himself is set to hit free agency this summer, and his decision could directly impact the franchise’s next steps.
LeBron is also expected to coordinate his decision with that of his son, Bronny James, who has declared for the upcoming NBA Draft. Bangla Cricket Live reports that the Lakers are strongly considering re-signing LeBron to a max contract and selecting Bronny on draft night—fulfilling the long-rumored dream of father and son playing together on the same NBA team. But if that’s the plan, it raises valid questions about whether the coaching search will be influenced by LeBron’s preferences.
Since joining the Lakers, LeBron has seen three head coaches come and go. The pressure of coaching in a massive media market like Los Angeles, coupled with the team’s star-driven culture, guarantees a uniquely high level of scrutiny for any incoming coach. Even experienced names like Budenholzer could find it hard to replicate past success under such conditions. And given the precedent set by Ham’s hiring, the Lakers may once again take an unconventional approach.
Beyond the coaching shake-up, the Lakers must also revisit their roster construction. The team’s playoff ceiling seems to have been reached with the current starting five. Last summer’s patchwork additions have failed to move the needle, and the time has come to restructure around LeBron and Davis—if both remain. Controversial figures like D’Angelo Russell are expected to be on the trading block, and even fan-favorite Austin Reaves may be involved in potential deals.
According to Bangla Cricket Live, GM Rob Pelinka could already be strategizing a bold new direction for the franchise. A major roster overhaul seems not only possible, but likely. Whether it’s by bringing in a new coach, drafting Bronny, or swinging big trades, the Lakers appear ready to roll the dice—and potentially deliver a dramatic offseason surprise.