There is growing evidence that suggests former Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham did not see eye-to-eye with several players during his tenure, and we received even more compelling proof of that on Thursday night. Scotty Pippen Jr.’s post-game comments after facing off against his former coach’s new team added fuel to the ongoing narrative of a strained relationship.
The Lakers hired Darvin Ham to replace Frank Vogel prior to the start of the 2022 NBA season. Despite some initial success, including leading the team to the Western Conference Finals in his inaugural season, Ham’s tenure was cut short after just two seasons, with a final record of 90-74.
His inability to consistently manage games effectively and his stubborn approach to roster adjustments were significant factors in his dismissal. However, reports suggest that the real reason behind Ham’s departure was his deteriorating relationship with players, who had lost confidence in his leadership and advocated for a coaching change behind the scenes.
It became apparent that Ham’s relationship with the Lakers roster had soured when some of the players took subtle shots at him before the start of the new season. During media day, D’Angelo Russell openly criticized Ham’s coaching style, and Cam Reddish echoed similar sentiments, indicating frustration with the former head coach’s methods.
Even Bronny James, who never played under Ham, seemed to join in, adding his voice to the chorus of criticism. It was evident that Ham’s standing among the players had significantly eroded by the time he left the Lakers.
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Scotty Pippen Jr. is the latest name to join the list of former players who have voiced their discontent. Pippen Jr. played sparingly for the Lakers during the 2022-23 season, appearing in just six games before being relegated to the G League.
After his limited opportunities with the Lakers, Pippen Jr. eventually found a second chance with the Memphis Grizzlies, while Darvin Ham accepted a role as an assistant coach under Doc Rivers with the Milwaukee Bucks this season. When the two teams faced off on Thursday night, it was evident that Pippen Jr. had something to prove.
The Memphis Grizzlies came away with an impressive 122-99 victory over the Bucks, and Pippen Jr. played a crucial role in that win.
The young guard was tasked with defending Damian Lillard, one of the league’s most prolific scorers, and he delivered a stellar defensive performance.
Lillard was held to just 4 points on a dismal 1-for-12 shooting night, thanks in large part to Pippen Jr.’s relentless effort on defense. It was a statement game for Pippen, who seemed to be playing with a chip on his shoulder.
After the game, Pippen Jr. didn’t hold back in his post-game comments. While he refused to call out Darvin Ham by name, it was clear who he was referring to when he spoke about a former coach who had not believed in him.
“Some people didn’t think I could play at this level,” Pippen said. “I just needed the right opportunity and the right people who believed in me.” The veiled reference to his time with the Lakers under Ham was obvious, and Pippen Jr.’s satisfaction with his performance against his former coach’s new team was palpable.
Pippen Jr.’s journey from being a bench player for the Lakers to becoming a key contributor for the Grizzlies has been fueled by his determination to prove his doubters wrong.
His performance against Milwaukee and his pointed comments afterward suggest that the frustration from his time with Ham and the Lakers still lingers.
For Pippen Jr., the game was not just about earning a win for Memphis—it was about redemption and proving that he belonged in the NBA, despite the setbacks he faced early in his career.
While Darvin Ham has moved on to a new role with the Bucks, the lingering tension from his time with the Lakers continues to follow him. Pippen Jr.’s performance and his comments serve as a reminder of the discord that seemed to characterize Ham’s tenure in Los Angeles.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if more players come forward with similar stories, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes issues that ultimately led to Ham’s departure from the Lakers.
For now, Scotty Pippen Jr.’s statement game stands as a testament to the young guard’s resilience and determination to carve out his place in the league.
