Former Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham is set to return to the Milwaukee Bucks as an assistant coach under the guidance of Doc Rivers.
This development, first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, marks a homecoming for Ham, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Bucks from 2018 to 2022.
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Ham looking to move past Lakers failure
Ham’s return to Milwaukee follows his dismissal from the Lakers in May after two seasons.
His tenure in Los Angeles was marked by both struggles and notable achievements.
Despite a rocky start with a 2-10 record in his first season, Ham led the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals in 2023, where they were ultimately defeated by the Denver Nuggets, the eventual NBA champions.
However, the Lakers faced another early playoff exit in 2024, leading to Ham’s departure.
This move also comes amidst other significant coaching decisions in the NBA.
Notably, Dan Hurley, who was speculated to be a potential candidate for the Lakers’ head coaching position, has decided to remain at UConn, turning down a lucrative offer from the Lakers to pursue a third consecutive NCAA title with the Huskies.
Ham’s history with the Bucks is decorated with success
Ham was part of the coaching staff that led Milwaukee to an NBA championship in 2021, their first title in 50 years.
Before his coaching career, Ham also played for the Bucks from 1999 to 2002, and he had a nine-year playing career in the NBA, including a championship win with the Detroit Pistons in 2004.
Under the leadership of Doc Rivers, who was appointed head coach in January, the Bucks aim to leverage Ham’s experience and familiarity with the team to push for another championship.
Rivers, a seasoned coach with a championship pedigree, will have Ham as his second in command, a role that suits Ham’s strengths as a tactician and motivator.
As the Bucks prepare for the new season, fans can look forward to seeing how Ham’s return will impact the team’s dynamics and performance.
His familiarity with the organization and previous success with the Bucks will be crucial as they aim for another championship run.
