Los Angeles Lakers part ways with Darvin Ham after crashing out of NBA Playoffs

The Los Angeles Lakers have moved on from Darvin Ham and will begin their search for a new head coach.

The Lakers were defeated in the first round of the playoffs, losing to Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in five games. Ham was 90-74 with a Western Conference Finals berth, including two Play-In victories and an In-Season title to his resume.

The decision comes with LeBron James' future looking unclear, with the NBA superstar having the option to become a free agent and sign wherever he'd like this summer. The Lakers have endured a tough four years since winning the NBA championship in 2020 with James and Anthony Davis - now searching for their fourth head coach in five years.

Ham will be expected to land another role this offseason, with a winning record in what looks to be a difficult role with the Lakers.

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The Lakers have released a statement since Ham's firing, with VP of Basketball Operations and general manager Rob Pelinka writing: "The Los Angeles Lakers have dismissed Darvin Ham as head coach.

"We greatly appreciate Darvin'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.

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"We all want to thank Darvin for his dedication and positivity. While this was a difficult decision to make, it is the best course of action following a full review of the season. This organization will remain unwavering in its commitment to deliver championship-caliber basketball to Lakers fans around the world."

Ham is the first coach in Lakers since Phil Jackson (2011) to make the playoffs and be fired after the season. While making their first big call of the offseason, the Lakers may well have another huge in the weeks to come... but they must first wait on James ' decision.

James has a player option that he can exercise to remain with the team for another year, or can become a free agent and sign for a team of his choosing this summer.

Should James indeed opt out and become a free agent, the Lakers could then look to trade Anthony Davis, rebuilding their roster through the NBA Draft - with young talent needed to be added to their ranks.