The Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise synonymous with success and star power, are currently navigating a sea of uncertainty and speculation. The team’s recent lacklustre performances against formidable opponents like the Miami Heat and the Memphis Grizzlies have set the rumour mills abuzz. At the heart of these swirling speculations is the future of their head coach, Darvin Ham. Despite leading the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals last season after a dismal 2-10 start, Ham’s current season is marred by a series of losses and a growing sense of disconnect with his players. The root of this rift seems to stem from his constantly evolving lineups and rotations, leaving both players and fans questioning the direction of the team.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Assitant coach Phil Handy: The New Beacon of Hope?
In the midst of these turbulent times, a new name has emerged as a beacon of hope for the franchise: Phil Handy. The Lakers’ assistant coach, known for his exceptional player development skills and a burgeoning role in the team, is now being touted as a potential successor to Ham. Renowned for his deep connections with the players and his increasing popularity within the organization, Handy appears to be the frontrunner, should the Lakers decide to make a coaching shift.
Sam Amick of The Athletic provides a glimpse into this evolving narrative: “When you talk to people closer to the situation, it’s Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy who is more often brought up as a possible pick. But again, we’re not there quite yet.”
Darvin Ham’s Relentless Pursuit for the Perfect Lineup
Despite the mounting pressure and the rumours about his job security, Darvin Ham remains steadfast in his mission to identify the ideal starting lineup for the Lakers. The team’s continuous struggle with injuries and on-court challenges has compelled Ham to experiment with different player combinations. While last year’s lineup featuring D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis brought significant success, the recurrence of this formation has been rare this season due to various injuries.
Ham, addressing the possibility of reverting to this successful lineup, stated emphatically to Lakers Nation, “No stone shall go unturned. We’re here to explore whatever we can to right the ship.”
Ham’s Openness to Change and the Road Ahead
In a candid post-game interview following the loss to the Miami Heat, Ham expressed his openness to exploring all viable lineup options: “Absolutely, I think everything is on the table that makes sense. Like I said, we’re here to explore. No stone shall go unturned. We are here to explore whatever we can to right the ship.”
The challenge for Ham and his coaching staff is not just about finding a stable rotation, but also about building continuity within the roster. The upcoming games will be crucial for Ham as he endeavours to steer the Lakers back onto the path of victory.
Darvin Ham if Jeanie Buss wasn’t a fiend for black 🍆pic.twitter.com/PPPNsEFNGF
— ♕𝕕𝕒𝕧𝕠𓅓 (@shpillo_) December 29, 2023
A Pivotal Moment in Lakers’ History
As the Lakers continue to grapple with their on-court identity, the question of Darvin Ham’s future as the head coach remains a topic of intense debate. Phil Handy’s rising prominence adds an intriguing dimension to this saga. Regardless of the outcome, this moment is undoubtedly pivotal in the annals of the Lakers’ storied history, marking a time of potential transition and transformation.
