Lakers Crash After First-Round Exit: Fire Coach Darvin Ham, Likely to Lose LeBron James

Los Angeles Lakers built a team of superstars – one for the future that they thought would win them championships. But, it didn’t work out as planned.

After the first-round exit following a 108-106 against the Denver Nuggets on Monday, the Lakers pushed the panic button as they fired coach Darvin Ham first up. With LeBron James already mulling to leave the franchise, a team rebuilding exercise looks inevitable for the franchise.

“We greatly appreciate Darvin Ham’s efforts on behalf of the Lakers and recognize the many accomplishments achieved over the past two seasons including last year’s remarkable run to the Western Conference finals,” Lakers official X account quoted vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka as saying.

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In the offseason, their first and foremost challenge will be to search for a new coach.

Coach Darvin Ham was 90-74 in the two seasons he spent with the Lakers with two playoff berths. Under his command, they had a run for the 2023 Western Conference Finals and a championship in the inaugural In-Season Tournament.

If and when the Lakers’ are out of this conundrum, they’ll face an uphill task to persuade LeBron James to agree to a three-year extension, or at least play for one more year.

Failing to do so will push them into another team overhaul.

As of now, James is tightlipped about his rumored departure.

When asked about his plans on Tuesday, James said he hadn’t given it a thought yet, as he was more concerned about spending time with his family and friends after a chaotic season.

He said the same during a press conference following the Game 5.

“I don’t have an answer… to be honest. I haven’t given it much thought,” James told a reporter on the question about this season being his last with the Lakers.

But, what are his options?

His first option is to return to the Purple and Gold with hopes of making amends to avoid another first-round exit. The other option is to hit free agency, where he could join a team that agrees to sign his son Bronny James.

However, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, LeBron has dropped the idea of playing in the same team as his son. Or at least, it is off his priority list.