Darvin Ham is the newest head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, and naturally, the whole NBA world is excited to see what he'll do to get the Purple and Gold back to title contention.
LeBron James, Magic Johnson and Vince Carter were among a slew of current and former NBA stars who congratulated Ham for getting the job, while media personalities and fans lauded the hire as the Lakers certainly got the best candidate for the job.
On Twitter, James and Johnson shared their excitement to see Ham coach the Lakers, while Carter said it is a well-deserved promotion for the long-time NBA assistant.
So damn EXCITED!!!!!!!! Congrats and welcome Coach DHam!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 #LakeShow💜💛
— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 28, 2022
So happy for my guy DHam. Well deserved!!
— Vince Carter (@mrvincecarter15) May 28, 2022
I’m excited that the Lakers just hired Darvin Ham as the coach. Congratulations!!https://t.co/oPQ4QiQ1ZX
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 28, 2022
Other NBA players simply sent their congratulatory messages to Darvin Ham as he takes over the Lakers. Furthermore, some fans and personalities shared why they believe Ham is a great hire.
https://twitter.com/Chriswood_5/status/1530351575746502656
I’m very happy for my guy DHam!!
Huge congrats on the Lakers spot✊🏿💯— Thon Maker ™ (@ThonMaker14) May 28, 2022
Darvin Ham will be great for the Lakers. These former players see how simplified the league has become from their time. They understand how to utilize and maximize specific talents. The NBA on many nights now is really an open run. If you defend and know your group, you good.
— Ball Don't Stop (@balldontstop) May 28, 2022
Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated and NBA insider Arash Markazi noted how Ham's championship pedigree and experience make him a good choice for the Lakers as they look to return to the NBA Finals and win the championship in the remaining years of LeBron James.
Darvin Ham is an excellent hire for the Lakers. Widely respected as an assistant, paid his dues. Has an Ime Udoka-like background (ex-player, longtime assistant). Could be a Udoka-level coach.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) May 28, 2022
Darvin Ham was the best candidate to be the head coach of the Lakers. He was a champion as a player, a champion as an assistant coach, had experience coaching the Lakers and has the respect of the players. He checked every box the team had. Great hire.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) May 28, 2022
The Lakers also had Terry Stotts and Kenny Atkinson as finalists for their head coaching vacancy, and while Ham has no head coaching experience, he has proven his ability to manage stars and win with them–even as an assistant coach.
Hopefully, he is the exactly what the Lakers need to turn things around in La La Land.