LeBron James and former Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham had a well-documented rocky relationship from the start.
A social media video surfaced showing James seemingly taking over coaching duties during a timeout, drawing plays and giving instructions to his teammates.
“I got it, I got it… Give me the board!” James can be heard saying in the fan-footage clip during a game against the Dallas Mavericks last year.
The tension between James and Coach Ham escalated early last season due to reported disagreements over playing style and roster decisions. A notable incident occurred during a game against the Boston Celtics when James publicly expressed his disagreement after being benched in the fourth quarter.
Ultimately, Ham was fired, with James facing scrutiny for his role in the coach’s departure. Now, the Lakers must find a new coach capable of managing the egos of their star players without alienating them, among other challenges.
Ty Lue has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Ham as the Lakers’ head coach. Lue, currently with the LA Clippers, has a history of coaching James and is reportedly favored by him. Despite being under contract with the Clippers, sources suggest that James’ influence may sway the Lakers’ decision-making process. Whether Lue intends to reunite with James remains to be seen.
Additionally, James’ future with the Lakers and his contract situation could impact the coaching search. His commercial and sporting value to the team may play a role, as the Lakers seek to accommodate his desires while prioritizing the organization’s long-term growth. Ultimately, the Lakers front office must make decisions that benefit the team’s future success.