Los Angeles Lakers announce Darvin Ham as new coach, praise his 'no-nonsense' approach

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Rob Pelinka praised the Milwaukee Bucks assistant's "no-nonsense and hard-working approach" when he was hired by the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers said that Ham had signed a multiyear deal to be their 28th head coach, but did not give further details. According to sources, Ham had agreed to a four-year contract.

For the past 11 seasons, Ham has been an NBA assistant coach, most recently with the Lakers. He worked under Budenholzer in Atlanta and Milwaukee and won the NBA championship with him.

The Lakers experience was a factor in Ham's hiring. Sources said that the team was sold on Ham's stature and toughness, his history of coaching star players, and his championship credentials as an assistant and player.

Pelinka said that Darvin's no-nonsense and hard-working approach will bring a competitive edge to the team. We have the ideal coach for this next chapter in Lakers history, because we have Darvin's sophisticated grasp of in-game strategy and deep knowledge of the game. Darvin Ham has been named our new head coach.

A news conference will be held on Monday.

The Lakers failed to make the playoffs this season, leading to Frank Vogel's dismissal. According to sources, Ham will need to find a way to incorporate Russell Westbrook into the framework of the franchise. Sources say that was a big topic of every Lakers interview.

According to sources, the Lakers interviewed several people, including Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson, Milwaukee Brewers assistant Charles Lee, Toronto Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin, and former Portland Trail blazers coach Terry Stotts.