Lakers News: Shocking Choices Emerge For Possible Mid-Season Darvin Ham Coaching Replacement

Is Ham going to lose his job?

Darvin Ham knew what he was walking into. 

Being the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers is a double-edged sword. Of course, there's a considerable appeal to the job. You get to live in Los Angeles as the leader of the most prestigious basketball franchise in the history of the sport. 

Furthermore, you get to coach one of the greatest players of all time, LeBron James. With a healthy James, you'll always be in the title hunt. 

Odds for the next head coach of the Lakers according to @BovadaOfficial

Phil Handy: +350
Juwan Howard: +600
Jared Dudley: +750
Kenny Atkinson: +750
Sam Cassell: +750
Jamahl Mosley: +800
Quin Snyder: +800
JB Bickerstaff: +1000
Steve Clifford: +1000
Mike Brown: +1600
Billy… pic.twitter.com/kRpXlm6IjJ

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 22, 2023

Conversely, the pressure is immense. 

You're coaching the Los Angeles Lakers -- where expectations are sky-high -- and sometimes unrealistic when considering the personnel you have. You'll constantly be questioned by media members, not to mention the pressure to succeed from the fan base, James himself, and his relentless chase for more titles. 

Even though it's not anyone's fault, an LA head coach will always be aiming to succeed from under the shadow of both Pat Riley and Phil Jackson. Depending on how you look at it, the pros might not outweigh the cons. 

Darvin Ham is experiencing the highs and lows of the position. Despite the Lakers winning the inaugural in-season tournament, many ardent fans on social media are calling for his proverbial head. Through 29 games, the Lakers are 15-14. Many have questioned Ham's tactical acumen -- not to mention a seemingly detrimental reliance upon D'Angelo Russell. 

Given how both have played recently and tonight, I don't understand D'Angelo Russell (34 minutes) playing significantly more than Austin Reaves (23 minutes).

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) December 22, 2023

While there's been no public rumblings about Ham potentially losing his job, it doesn't mean the speculation has been kept under wraps. Sports betting website Bovada offered a list of potential candidates with requisite odds. 

According to Bovada, the five with the best odds to land the job and replace Ham include current Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy (+350), embattled Michigan head coach Juwan Howard (+600), Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Jared Dudley (+750), Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson (+750), and Boston Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell (+750). 

In May of 2022, Ham reportedly signed a four-year deal.