Darvin Ham on the Hot Seat: Lakers Players ‘Tuning Out’ Coaching Staff, Sources Say… See more…
As the Los Angeles Lakers’ rollercoaster season continues to frustrate fans and analysts alike, increasing attention is now turning toward the man calling the plays: head coach Darvin Ham. Hailed as a rising coaching mind when hired in 2022, Ham is now firmly on the hot seat in what many around the league are calling a “make-or-break” moment in his coaching tenure. According to multiple reports, several Lakers players are beginning to tune him out — questioning his rotations, strategies, and locker room leadership.
A Promising Start, But Cracks Are Showing
Ham’s first year with the Lakers was a relative success. He took over a roster in flux, made key adjustments, and helped guide the team from a Play-In position to a shocking Western Conference Finals appearance. His strong communication skills, player-first approach, and emphasis on defense earned him praise from fans and media alike.
However, by the 2024–25 season, the tone has shifted. Despite having LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and a revamped supporting cast including Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell, the Lakers are hovering in the middle of the Western Conference. More troubling is the sense that Ham is losing control of the locker room.
One anonymous source close to the team told The Athletic, “He had the room last year. But now? You can feel the energy is different. Guys aren’t responding like they used to. There’s confusion, frustration, and honestly, some apathy.”
Rotational Decisions Under Fire
Much of the criticism surrounding Ham stems from his stubbornness with rotations and lineup choices. Fans and insiders alike have questioned his insistence on playing three-guard lineups that struggle defensively and his late-game decisions that often leave shooters off the floor.
In multiple games this season, players like Cam Reddish and Jaxson Hayes have been benched despite providing a spark, while others like Russell and Taurean Prince have played extended minutes during cold stretches. Those inconsistencies have reportedly confused players, who are unsure of what is being rewarded or punished.
ESPN analyst Richard Jefferson commented, “Ham’s a good coach, but right now, his rotations don’t make basketball sense. And when players start feeling like there’s no logic to your decisions, that’s when you lose them.”
Communication Breakdown
Beyond on-court strategy, a deeper issue appears to be communication — or lack thereof. Several younger players have expressed uncertainty about their roles, minutes, and responsibilities.
Austin Reaves, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2023, has quietly regressed, and according to insiders, part of that stems from unclear expectations from the coaching staff. “He’s not sure when to attack, when to defer, what his job is from game to game,” said one source. “And he’s not alone.”
Ham, known for being vocal and hands-on in practices, now seems to be coaching more reactively than proactively, responding to situations rather than setting the tone. That change in energy has not gone unnoticed.
LeBron and AD’s Silent Verdict
While LeBron James and Anthony Davis haven’t openly criticized Ham, their body language during games — particularly during timeouts and tense stretches — has raised eyebrows. LeBron, often seen leading huddles himself, has taken a more visible role in organizing the offense late in games. Davis has looked disengaged during postgame interviews and has avoided questions about coaching.
Both stars publicly supported Ham during his hiring and early run, but their current silence speaks volumes. As one veteran NBA reporter put it, “If LeBron wanted the world to know Ham was his guy, he’d say it. The fact that he’s quiet is telling.”
Front Office Monitoring Situation
Sources within the Lakers’ front office have made it clear that while they’re not ready to make a coaching change midseason, they are watching closely. General Manager Rob Pelinka is reportedly frustrated by the team’s underperformance and is beginning to weigh offseason options if the team doesn’t make a deep playoff run.
One candidate quietly mentioned as a potential replacement is former NBA champion and broadcaster J.J. Redick, who has built a strong relationship with LeBron and is respected across the league. Other names include established veterans like Mike Budenholzer or even a return to a more defensive-minded coach like Frank Vogel, who won a title with the team in 2020.
Ham’s Response: Stay the Course
Despite the mounting pressure, Darvin Ham has maintained a calm and composed public face. In recent press conferences, he’s emphasized patience, accountability, and unity.
“We’re not where we want to be, but we’re going to get there,” Ham said after a recent loss. “This group has the heart. We just need to sharpen the focus and trust in what we’re building.”
However, if the players no longer believe in that vision — or the man preaching it — that trust may already be broken.
Final Stretch, Final Test
The Lakers are entering a critical stretch of the season — with matchups against playoff contenders that will either reignite momentum or accelerate decline. For Darvin Ham, these next few weeks may determine not only his coaching future with the Lakers but potentially his standing as a long-term NBA head coach.
For now, the pressure is real, the tension is rising, and unless the team begins to respond — tactically and emotionally — Darvin Ham could find himself as the latest casualty of the Lakers’ unforgiving championship expectations.
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