Lakers News: Darvin Ham Cuts Three LA Assistants from Vogel Regime

Darvin Ham has informed a trio of assistant coaches from Frank Vogel's staff that they won't be on the team next year.

One day after his introductory press conference, Darvin Ham has already started to shape his coaching staff. It's uncertain whether or not his former Detroit Pistons teammate Rasheed Wallace will be on the bench, but one thing is for certain - three assistants from Frank Vogel's staff won't be keeping their jobs in LA.

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, David Fizdale, Mike Penberthy, and John Lucas III have been told they won't be part of Ham's staff for next season.

Reporting with @wojespn: New Lakers coach Darvin Ham has started to shape his coaching staff by informing assistants David Fizdale, Mike Penberthy and John Lucas III they will not be retained.

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 7, 2022

One current Lakers assistant that wasn't included in the report was Phil Handy. Handy is well-regarded as a strong developmental head coach, but had voiced his desire to become a head coach last month.

Moments after McMenamin's report, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports confirmed that Phil Handy has accepted a role on Ham's staff.

Phil Handy, one of the top assistants in the league, has accepted the invitation of new Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham to be a part of his coaching staff, league sources tell @YahooSports.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 7, 2022

It appears that Ham and the Lakers front office is hoping that Handy can help bridge the gap from Vogel to Ham.

Handy has been an assistant with the Lakers since 2019.