Darvin Ham officially confirmed as Lakers head coach: Franchise

• Lakers officially announce Ham as the successor to Vogel as head coach.
• Frank Vogel was sacked in April after the franchise failed to advance to playoffs.
• Ham will bring a ‘no-nonsense’ approach to the franchise: Rob Pelinka

Darvin Ham was named the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, according to a statement released by the franchise.

OFFICIAL: Welcome to Los Angeles, Coach Ham! pic.twitter.com/V91QyME7EI

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 3, 2022

The team announced that Ham, an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks, has signed a multi-year contract with the franchise.

The 48-year-old Ham was an indispensable assistant to Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer during Milwaukee’s 2021 NBA championship season.

He replaces Frank Vogel, who was sacked in April following a terrible season in which the Lakers failed to qualify for the playoffs.

Read more: Should Pacers call back ex-Lakers Vogel?

Ham’s hiring was widely anticipated, with reports from the previous month indicating he had agreed to a four-year contract.

Lakers star LeBron James had already congratulated Ham via social media, writing: “So damn EXCITED!!!!”

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So damn EXCITED!!!!!!!! Congrats and welcome Coach DHam!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 #LakeShow💜💛

— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 28, 2022

Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said Friday that Ham would bring a “no-nonsense” approach to the franchise, citing his steady rise through the coaching ranks from developmental league to elite level.

“When someone begins his NBA coaching career at the G League level and goes all the way through playing an integral role on the front bench of an NBA Championship team, it really speaks to a certain strength of character,” Pelinka said.

“Our players and fans will immediately identify with Darvin’s no-nonsense and hard-working approach, which we feel will bring a toughness and a competitive edge to all we do.

“We could not be more honored and proud to name Darvin Ham as our new head coach.”

Read more: Tatum’s 26 points help Celtics book NBA Finals with Warriors

After a 33-49 campaign, Ham assumes control of a disorganized Lakers squad.

After acquiring Russell Westbrook in a blockbuster trade last year, the Lakers were expected to contend for a title, but the acquisition was widely viewed as a failure.

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