<
        >

          LeBron James among those reacting to Lakers hiring Darvin Ham as head coach

          play
          Stephen A.: 'Toughness will not be an issue with a Darvin Ham team' (1:25)

          The NBA Countdown crew reacts to the Lakers hiring Darvin Ham as their new head coach. (1:25)

          • Brianna Williams, ESPNMay 27, 2022, 09:08 PM ET

          The Los Angeles Lakers secured their new head coach with the hire of Darvin Ham, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

          Prior to joining the Lakers, he served as an assistant for the defending NBA Champion Milwaukee Bucks. He has worked under Milwaukee head coach Mike Budenholzer since 2013, when the pair were with the Atlanta Hawks.

          This isn't Ham's first time working for Los Angeles. He was an assistant with the Lakers from 2011-2013. He takes over a squad that fell short of expectations last season, as Los Angeles finished 33-49 and missed the postseason. He replaces Frank Vogel, who was fired by the team in April.

          Lakers superstar LeBron James was among the first players to welcome his new coach to the team.

          Trae Young, who has history with Ham from his time in Atlanta, also congratulated him on the role.

          "This major..Congrats D Ham ! !" Trae Young

          The first-time head coach played eight NBA seasons for six teams and won a championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004.

          During Ham's stint in Detroit he played four games against James, who was with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

          Lakers legend Magic Johnson expressed his excitement for the new addition.

          "I'm excited that the Lakers just hired Darvin Ham as the coach. Congratulations!!" Earvin Magic Johnson

          Some of Ham's former players like Bobby Portis and Thon Maker were among those to weigh in on Twitter.