Insider provides update on Darvin Ham's future as Lakers HC

Darvin Ham has caught a lot of flak during his time in Los Angeles, especially for his in-game rotations, substitution patterns and even his reluctance to start certain players. 

The Lakers coach was reportedly on the hot seat earlier in the year, with some even suggesting that certain members of the organization wanted him replaced by assistant coach Phil Handy.

If the Lakers suffer a first-round exit in the ongoing playoffs, one would assume Ham will get canned. At least that's the norm with teams in the modern NBA — the coaches take the fall.

However, Ham is reportedly a shoo-in to return as Lakers coach in the 2024-25 season.

According to beat writer Anthony Irwin, the Lakers remain "very split" on the job Ham has done as head coach but prefer to retain him for another season. 

"...In asking around the last couple weeks heading into the play-in and playoffs, most people I've spoken to believe Ham will be back," Irwin wrote in his Substack newsletter.

In January, The Athletic's Sam Amick also reported that Ham enjoys the backing of Lakers governor Jeanie Buss and Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and has little reason to worry about his future.

All that said, no coach is truly safe in the NBA. Adrian Griffin started 30-13 with the Bucks only to get the boot. Doc Rivers led the Sixers to two 50-win seasons and still got the axe. 

The Lakers have gone 90-74 in Ham's first two seasons as head coach. They made the Western Conference Finals in his first year on the job, but a deep postseason run looks unlikely in 2024.