In addition to former Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson, and ESPN analyst JJ Redick, the Lakers are starting a “extensive” search for a new head coach. “If he becomes available,” according to Charania, the Lakers will also take into consideration Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue. The Lakers fired Ham on Friday following his team’s elimination from the first round in five games, losing to the Denver Nuggets. Ham signed a contract in 2022 and left the Lakers with a 90-74 season record.
Before focusing on the 2025 postseason, the Lakers must decide which coach is most likely to persuade LeBron James to stay in Los Angeles. James could become a free agent this offseason if he declines his $51.4 million player option for the 2024–25 season. Los Angeles was hoping for a second deep playoff run this spring after making it to the Western Conference Finals last fall. Instead, the Lakers bowed out in the first round after losing for a second straight season to the Denver Nuggets; they recorded only one win in both series combined.
