Darvin Ham Reflects on Lakers Tenure and His Remarkable NBA Cup Success

Darvin Ham’s journey as a coach in the NBA has been nothing short of eventful.

From leading the Los Angeles Lakers to the inaugural NBA Cup victory to guiding the Milwaukee Bucks to their second consecutive championship, Ham has etched his name in the league’s history books. As the only coach to win the NBA Cup in its first two editions, Ham’s career trajectory exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

After his Lakers stint, Ham joined the Bucks as an assistant coach, where he made an immediate impact. Working with superstars like Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ham redefined the team’s offensive strategy, seamlessly integrating individual brilliance with team cohesion. The result? Yet another NBA Cup triumph. Speaking to Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Ham expressed his enthusiasm for being part of two championship-winning teams. “I’ve been super-duper excited to be a part of both—the inaugural and now this one. Two generational talents in both Bron [LeBron James] and Giannis [Antetokounmpo]. Lead one and ride shotgun for the other,” he remarked.

Despite his success with the Bucks, Ham hasn’t shied away from discussing the challenges he faced with the Lakers. Injuries to key players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis were a significant obstacle during his time in Los Angeles. “It’s being reported like I’m just throwing some lineups up against the wall to see what sticks. No, man, we were really navigating a lot—from guys being hurt to having the oldest player in the league [James] to managing A.D.’s injury history. It was a lot,” Ham revealed.

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Ham’s tenure with the Lakers was marked by highs and lows. Taking over a team that had finished the previous season with a 33-49 record, he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. Under his leadership, the Lakers made a late-season push to secure a playoff berth and advanced to the Western Conference Finals. Reflecting on his achievements, Ham said, “To be 33-49 when I was hired, with an unbalanced roster, turn that around, make it to the Western Conference Finals. The very next year, we were a plus-10 in wins, going from 33-49 to 43-39. And guys got paid on my watch.”

While his tenure with the Lakers ended earlier than he might have hoped, Ham maintained perspective. “You feel like you did enough to sustain in one spot. I felt like I did that. I get it. The franchise I’m working for—the expectations can be unrealistic at certain points in time,” he explained.

Ham also addressed the narrative surrounding the Lakers’ playoff exit, pushing back against criticism of their loss to the Denver Nuggets. “People always talk about us losing to Denver, but they never talk about how we got to Denver. We beat a kick-ass young squad in Memphis, and we beat Golden State,” he emphasized, highlighting the team’s resilience during the postseason.

Seperation with Lakers

After parting ways with the Lakers, Ham didn’t dwell on the separation for long. Instead, he took a much-needed break to reset and reflect. “I got fired on a Friday, and I was in Montego Bay the following Sunday. I stayed over there for 10 days. I took some time for my wife and I,” Ham shared. The break proved crucial, allowing him to recharge before accepting his new role with the Bucks.

Ham’s transition to Milwaukee has been nothing short of a masterstroke. Under his guidance, the Bucks have elevated their game, combining individual talent with a cohesive team approach. “Two championships in two years—it’s something I’m proud to be a part of,” Ham stated, reflecting on his accomplishments with both teams.

Darvin Ham’s journey is a testament to his ability to adapt and thrive under challenging circumstances. Whether it’s navigating injuries, balancing roster dynamics, or optimizing offensive strategies, Ham has consistently proven his worth as a coach.

As he continues his career with the Bucks, Ham remains a figure of inspiration, embodying the perseverance and strategic acumen that define great coaching. For Ham, the future holds endless possibilities, and the league will undoubtedly continue to feel his impact for years to come.

The NBA’s narrative thrives on stories of resilience and reinvention, and Darvin Ham’s is one that fans and players alike can admire. His legacy is already cemented, but his journey is far from over.