Lakers hire Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham as next head coach

Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham has agreed to a four-year deal to become the next coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, sources told ESPN on Friday.

Ham separated himself in the process in recent days, interviewing with Lakers officials Thursday and inspiring an offer Friday afternoon, sources said. The Lakers were sold on Ham’s stature and toughness, his history of coaching star players and championship pedigree as an assistant and player, sources said. Ham’s history with the Lakers franchise for two seasons – as an assistant in 2011-2013 – played a part in his hiring, too. He spent nine season with Mike Budenholzer between Atlanta and Milwaukee, including winning the 2021 NBA title