Kobe Bryant loved working with Darvin Ham when the tactician was an assistant for the Los Angeles Lakers from 2011 to 2013. Clearly, the new LA coach felt the same for Kobe.

Speaking to the media for the first time as the Lakers' head coach, Ham opened up about his time working with Bryant and how the Black Mamba made a significant impact in his growth as a coach. While they were only together for two years before Ham moved to the Atlanta Hawks, he admitted that Kobe was crucial in his development.

“Gave me a wealth of confidence in myself as a coach. Kobe was right at the forefront of that in my development as a coach,” Ham said, per Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet.

Darvin Ham is known as a tough coach who emphasized accountability and competitiveness, which just screams Kobe Bryant from the get-go.

Sure enough, his attitude and mentality are exactly what the Lakers need as they try to turn things around and return to championship contention after missing the playoffs in 2021-22.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left) defends against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (right) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center.
Nick Wright drops the mic on LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry debateScotty White ·
Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena
Luka Doncic reveals initial thought on living in LA after Lakers tradeJosue Pavon ·
Cooper Flagg talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Lakers set first Cooper Flagg, Mavericks matchup in Las VegasMalik Brown ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) moves the ball against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers Luka Doncic’s sends ‘speed’ message that will scare rest of NBANathan Yasis ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) smiles after his team scored against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center.
LeBron James’ former teammate provides eye-opening take on GOAT debateAlex House ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James warms up before the start of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.
Lakers’ LeBron James doesn’t hold back on clout-chasing trainersRichard Pereira ·

Ham's hiring has been met with positive takes from around the NBA. While there are also some critics, it is evident that the 48-year-old coach has established a great reputation. He also has the winning pedigree, being a champion as a player and as an assistant coach.

*Watch NBA LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)

Hopefully, he'll be able to thrive with the Lakers and impart the same competitiveness that Kobe taught him.