“Final Destination: Lake Show Dilemma Part 1.”
If there was a horror movie which peaked and kept on writing more scripts, its “Final Destination.” Yes, that series about a group of high school teenagers who try and escape death but end up being victims of unfortunate tragedies. For the Los Angeles Lakers, it feels as if the movie has been revamped, directed, and flopped. Heavy promotional value with a solid cast but failed to garner any traction for fans.
The Los Angeles Lakers of 2024 are no more as the craziness is three weeks removed from the NBA Playoffs. After being gentlemen’s swept by the defending champion Denver Nuggets, the box office disappointment didn’t make it for former head coach Darvin Ham. Yes, that guy who clearly was overwhelmed during his two seasons. A roster who was pretty much intact after a strong finish to 2023. Ran it back with a few new pieces and go for it all. An In-Season Tournament championship which the Lakers were crowned, it felt like this team was taking flight. But… That would be the only celebrating in 2024. As the late great Kobe Bryant once said: “There’s only one banner we hang; it’s championships. Not Western Conference Championships.” From there, it was bad acting from a supporting cast and coach who didn’t quite get it.
As the playoff exodus has lingered, Darvin Ham was fired by the Lakers. How we got here is the media supporting and over glazing a guy whose rotations were horrible, no in-game adjustments and losing the locker room. How it was perceived is “LeBron James got another coach fired, the ultimate coach killer.” “LeBron and AD distance themselves from Darvin and everyone else followed.” But what the media failed to realize is Ham was problematic once role players Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell were done. Favoritism settled in with certain guys getting more minutes than other players.
A coach can lose games but press conferences and locker room is an appetite for disfunction. LeBron James’ frustrations were on full display during the playoffs which he jumped and screamed for Ham to challenge a call. It summed up the season in a nutshell and there’s no sugarcoating it folks. Los Angeles Lakers fans were over this blockbuster failure and Ham was the starting point. All the coaching staff were fired shortly thereafter and how the media responded: “You see, the problem isn’t Darvin Ham; its LeBron James.” “Ham didn’t deserved to be fired; man won X amount of games in two seasons.” “Lakers should let Bron walk and build around AD.” Oh, how the media didn’t watch a single dribble of Lakers basketball. Are they plugged into the Lakers media partners? No, it’s pushing a narrative of LeBron James being pouty and getting his way.
The outrage of Darvin Ham getting fired became so important that national sports media pundits ran to the defense. Funny, when Los Angeles was struggling, they blamed LeBron’s ball dominant play and chasing stats. When the Lakers won without LeBron, “Ham can coach when LeBron doesn’t play. This team is better without Bron’s stat padding.” Soon as he’s fired, the glazing like a smoked ham started. To hear he’ll have suitors is laughable. To properly write a better script with a stronger outcome, the new head coach must have an alpha personality. One the players will respect and listen to. A few names have been mentioned and I’ll give my honest opinion as to who should be our new head coach:
JJ Redick
Former NBA player with a very high basketball IQ; one which is displayed daily on ESPN’s “First Take” and his podcast platforms. He and LeBron would be equal far as basketball minds work and having a partnership on “Mind the Game” podcast. Redick would be a first time head coach, and how he’d handle the pressure of leading an aging superstar to another championship. He’s relatable and understands how to breakdown offensive and defensive sets. A young coach who can develop guys and open their full potential.
Mark Jackson
Former ABC/ESPN NBA commentator and head coach would be the safe hire for Los Angeles. Jackson brings years of knowledge and respect to a team who needs an identity. Building a culture and having the abilities to reach guys checks the box. Leader of men, and motivator is what the Lakers lacked under Ham’s tenure. When the going flipped upside down, nobody responded. Jackson’s last coaching stint was Golden State from 2011-2014. The game has evolved since he last coached, but knowing the window for LeBron James is very slim boils down to surrounding Jackson with a great staff.
Ty Lue
This would be the ideal hire for Los Angeles if the objective is to win now with LeBron. A good coach whose respected by LeBron and a former Laker as well. Winning a title with Cleveland in 2016 after the firing of David Blatt, Lue guided Cleveland to the biggest upset in NBA Finals history defeating a 73 win Golden State Warriors team and overcoming a 3-1 series deficit. With his current contract status with the “other” LA team Clippers mum with one year remaining, this is the golden opportunity for the Lakers to swing and connect ball with bat to win the rivalry. Each day that passes and a new deal isn’t done for Lue, there’s a glimmer of hope he’s coaching in the purple and gold; despite what the media may report.
Either way, whoever is hired will have a very short window and runway to win now. Writing a better script and producing blockbuster numbers for fans is our expectations. There’s no room for error in 2025 and a cast who’s ready to reclaim their spot in the Western conference. The summer months will be hotter than usual with Los Angeles. For now, fans wait and watch their mobile devices for any breaking news. “Final Destination” will have Lakers fans on edge as this ongoing horror movie series continues its search for their NBA Finals destination hoisting another Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Stai tuned.
