Darvin Ham loved some very actual success throughout his two seasons as the pinnacle coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. In his first season, the Lakers one way or the other ran all the way in which to the Western Convention Finals regardless of getting into the playoffs because the No. 7 seed within the convention. Final season wasn’t fairly as form, however the group nonetheless gained 47 video games earlier than falling to the defending champion Denver Nuggets within the first spherical.
It’s onerous to imagine the Lakers may have completed much more within the loaded West beneath Ham’s management, however his former gamers apparently imagine it. Ham has been catching strays from ever for the reason that Lakers fired him in favor of JJ Redick forward of this yr. The Lakers apparently actually didn’t like Ham, and it retains displaying.
On Thursday night time, Scotty Pippen Jr. grew to become the most recent of Ham’s former gamers to take a swipe on the coach. Pippen was on the Lakers on a two-way deal through the 2022-23 season, after which bought reduce in coaching camp the following yr. He ultimately latched on with the Memphis Grizzlies, and is now on a typical NBA contract and figuring into the rotation. Pippen is enjoying some excellent basketball these days, and he simply helped shut down Damian Lillard in Memphis’ win over the Bucks.
Ham, by the way in which, is now an assistant coach on Milwaukee. Right here’s what Pippen stated about his efficiency after the sport.
Scotty Pippen Jr. was one of many gamers who guarded Dame essentially the most tonight. He stated he “positively” took that matchup private. Why?
“One of many coaches over there didn’t imagine in me so I positively needed to point out I can play some protection.”
I’ll allow you to remedy the puzzle. https://t.co/wFg1ugOIXv
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) November 1, 2024
Good on Pippen. He was an undrafted free agent popping out of Vanderbilt who needed to grind his approach by the G League earlier than he bought a possibility. In contrast to some Lakers, being the son of a Corridor of Famer didn’t do Pippen Jr. any favors. He earned this chance by turning into one of the best participant he could possibly be.
Discuss your trash, Scotty. You realize the remainder of your former teammates help you.
D’Angelo Russell took a shot at Ham throughout media day. Even Bronny took a swipe. For his half, Ham is taking the excessive street. Good for him. They’ll by no means take that Western Convention Finals run away from you.
The Lakers may nonetheless actually use a fringe defender like Pippen Jr. Too unhealthy Ham couldn’t see the imaginative and prescient.
