On Friday, it was reported that the Los Angeles Lakers have narrowed down their search for a new head coach to three main candidates.
But as of now, one of those men appears to perhaps have the strongest chance of landing the job.
Via The Athletic:
“The Lakers appear poised to make a decision on their coaching position soon, with Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham, Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson and former Portland Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts the finalists for the job that became vacant when Frank Vogel was fired at season’s end. But as the final round of interviews is set, sources tell The Athletic that Ham appears to have made the strongest impression yet.
“Now, the final stage of the process will determine who secures the job.”
Darvin Ham has never been a head coach in the NBA, but he played in the league for eight seasons and has gained a reputation as a strong communicator and leader.
It looks like those qualities line up well with what the Lakers’ front office is looking for in a new bench leader.
Via The Athletic:
“In terms of the Lakers’ preferences, sources say team officials have prioritized a coach who can command respect and authority from the locker room and who has a strong enough presence and voice to manage the varying roles and relationships across the roster. Those characteristics bode well for Ham’s candidacy. Throughout assistant coaching stops with the Lakers, [Atlanta] Hawks and Bucks, Ham has been known for his no-nonsense style and ability to resonate with his players — attributes that have stood out in his communication with the Lakers thus far as well, sources said.”
Ham is also reportedly a leading candidate to land the head coaching job for the Charlotte Hornets.
The Lakers fired their previous head coach, Frank Vogel, last month following their final regular season game. Vogel served three years in that capacity for L.A. and led it to the NBA championship just two years ago.
