NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is a big fan of the new Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham.
On Friday, ESPN reported the news that long-time assistant, and current member of the Milwaukee Bucks coaching staff, Darvin Ham was officially offered the job of being the Lakers’ next head coach.
The process to find the team’s latest strategic leader began in April after the organization dismissed head coach Frank Vogel. The man that helped guide the team to an NBA championship just two years before. The finalists for the job included one-time Brooklyn Nets coach and current Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson. As well as former long-time Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts.
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Rumors also claimed the team was hoping Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers would become available after the team’s surprise second-round exit from the NBA playoffs. And franchise head Jeanie Buss confirmed that team and NBA greats Magic Johnson and Phil Jackson were among the brain trust helping to make the final decision.
Darvin Ham was a coach for the Los Angeles Lakers previously
Well former Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks assistant Darvin Ham is the new head coach in the land of “Showtime” and former league MVP Giannis Anteokounmpo is very happy about the news.
On Saturday, ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted a direct comment from the Bucks superstar about his admiration for the no-nonsense coach he has worked with for the last four seasons.
“On the Lakers hiring of Bucks assistant Darvin Ham, Giannis Antetokounmpo tells ESPN: ‘I’m so happy for him. He’s the right fit for them. He keeps it real with you. No BS at all. It’s about damn time. He deserves it more than anyone.”
Ham joined the Bucks staff ahead of the 2018-2019 season and has been a key part of the team’s growth to becoming a perennial contender in that time. That includes their NBA championship run last season.