According to a report, Kenny Atkinson, an assistant coach with the Warriors, is a contender to lead the Lakers.

 

 

The Los Angeles Lakers changed their coaching staff following their defeat against the Denver Nuggets in the opening round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Several media sources said on Friday that Darvin Ham, the Lakers’ head coach, had left the team.

Via Twitter, via @wojespn:

Breaking: Sources tell ESPN the Los Angeles Lakers fired coach Darvin Ham. Ham finished 90-74 in two seasons, earning a trip in the Western Conference Finals, two Play-In wins, and an In-Season victory. Denver defeated the Lakers in five games during the first round.Pic: https://twitter.com/33ck0Hgyu4

 

 

 

The two seasons the former assistant coach of the Milwaukee Bucks spent in Hollywood saw him earn a regular-season record of 90-74. In consecutive years, the Nuggets defeated Ham and the Lakers in the playoffs.

With Ham gone, the Lakers and Rob Pelinka are in the process of hiring a new head coach. Ham’s replacement is apparently a member of Steve Kerr’s coaching staff with the Golden State Warriors.

Along with Mike Budenholzer, Ty Lue, and JJ Redick, Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson is a contender for the Lakers’ head coaching position, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

 

The Los Angeles Lakers and @jovanbuha have announced the departure of coach Darvin Ham. Sources tell me that a thorough search will shortly begin, and candidates like Mike Budenholzer, Kenny Atkinson, JJ Redick, and, if he becomes available, Ty Lue will be considered.

 

Atkinson has been considered for several NBA head coaching jobs since joining Kerr’s staff in 2022, including those with the Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets, and Milwaukee Bucks.

Atkinson worked as an assistant with the Clippers under Ty Lue in Los Angeles before joining the Warriros. From 2016 to 2020, Atkinson led the Brooklyn Nets for four seasons as their head coach.