The Lakers' change of coach shook the basketball world, and the championship blueprint was restarted
Over the past two seasons, the Los Angeles Lakers' record has hovered around the mid-table. Although they reached the Western Conference Finals in the 2022-23 season, they were eventually swept out by the Denver Nuggets. In the 2023-24 season, although the Lakers won the midseason championship, they only had a 45-37 regular season record and were eliminated by the Nuggets again in the first round of the playoffs. After two years of poor performance, the Lakers top brass finally made up their minds and fired head coach Darvin Ham and his coaching staff. This decision will undoubtedly give the former powerhouse a new opportunity to rekindle their ambitions to win the title.
Analysis of the reasons for Hamm's departure
In Ham's two seasons at the helm of the Lakers, the Lakers had a 90-74 regular season record, a 54.9 percent winning rate, and made the playoffs from the playoffs in both seasons. Despite this, Ham's relationship with LeBron James, the team's key player, has become increasingly strained. The two men had big differences in tactical concepts and the use of personnel, and James became increasingly dissatisfied with Ham's command.
In addition to the conflict with James, Ham's work has also been criticized by the Lakers' top brass. In the past two years, although the Lakers have made the playoffs, they have stopped early and have not been able to achieve a bigger breakthrough. As a team with a rich championship tradition, the Lakers are naturally not satisfied with this kind of performance. It's no surprise that Hamm was eventually fired.
The new handsome candidates are carefully selected
After firing Ham, the Lakers began the process of selecting a new head coach. Budenholzer, Atkinson, Redick and Tyronn Lue have all reportedly been shortlisted. Budenholzer is seen as one of the hottest candidates because of his relationship with James. Current Clippers assistant coach Tyronn Lue is James' first choice.
Regardless of the final selection, it must be endorsed by James to ensure harmony and unity within the team. After all, as the star of the Lakers, James has a considerable say in the team's decision-making. If the new coach is unable to gain his support, it is likely to repeat Hamm's mistakes.
The champion blueprint restarts a new journey
For the new head coach, it will be a huge test to see if he can lead the Lakers back to the championship. In addition to his tactical acumen, he also needs to have excellent management skills, integrate the team, unify the team, and lay a solid foundation for the future championship road.
The Lakers will also carry out large-scale player construction in the new season to strengthen the shortcomings of the lineup through reinforcements. The new manager will not only have to familiarise himself with the existing players, but will also need to integrate the new signings into the system as soon as possible to ensure that the entire squad can function efficiently. Only by doing all of this well can the Lakers truly relaunch their championship blueprint and challenge for the 18th championship trophy in franchise history.