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Lakers fire head coach Darvin Ham after loss in playoffs to Denver Nuggets

Lakers fire head coach Darvin Ham after loss in playoffs to Denver Nuggets

Laker fire head coach Darvin Ham

Los Angeles Lakers have fired head coach Darvin Ham two years into the position. The move comes after the Lakers were ousted in the first round of playoffs by the defending champions Denver Nuggets. Ham had taken over Frank Vogel after 2020-21 season.

Under Ham, the Lakers made it to the playoffs both times including a trip to the Western Conference Finals last year. They although, were beaten by the eventual champions Nuggets. Informing about parting ways with Ham, the Lakers wrote: "We greatly appreciate Darvin's efforts on behalf of the Lakers and recognize the many accomplishment achieved."

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"We all want to thank Darvin for his dedication and positivity. While this was a difficult decision to make, it 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."

"It's been a hell of a two years sitting in this seat, I'll tell you that," Ham said after their loss to the Nuggets via ESPN.

Under Ham, The Lakers went 90-74 in all games. This season also started well for the team including a remarkable 7-0 run to win the inaugural in-season tournament in December. Things, however, went downhill from there on as the Lakers lost 12 of their next 17 games.

The LeBron James-starred side then hustled to win 11 of their last 14 games to finish with a 47-35 record and make it to the playoffs for the fourth time in the last five years.

Under Ham, Lakers star James was quite exceptional. The 39-year-old averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds per game in 71 games this season - his highest since 2017-18 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. It is not confirmed whether or not LeBron will return for the next season.