Lakers to consider Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson after firing Ham: report

The Lakers fired Darvin Ham after two playoff seasons.

After getting eliminated from the first round of the playoffs by Denver, the Los Angeles Lakers fired head coach Darvin Ham.

Among the candidates they’re expected to consider to replace Ham, according to The Athletic, is current Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson.

Atkinson joined the Warriors in 2021 and won his first NBA championship that season as an assistant coach. He previously worked as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, as well as an assistant to Ty Lue with the Clippers, Mike Budenholzer in Atlanta, and Mike D’Antoni in New York.

Atkinson has been sought after before; last season, he reportedly turned down the chance to become the Hornets’ head coach after informally agreeing to an offer.

The Warriors’ bench has experienced some brain drain in recent years, as Mike Brown left to lead the Kings and Jama Mahlalela departed for Toronto. Assistant coach Dejan Milojevic also tragically died this season.

The Lakers fired Ham after two seasons in which the first-time head coach led the team to consecutive playoff berths. Los Angeles went 90-74 under Ham, who reportedly has two years left on his contract.

“We all want to thank Darvin for his dedication and positivity,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said in a statement. “While this was a difficult decision to make, it is the best course of action following a full review of the season. This organization will remain unwavering in its commitment to deliver championship-caliber basketball to Lakers fans around the world.”

Other likely candidates for the Lakers head coaching position, per The Athletic, include former player JJ Redick, Budenholzer, and Lue if he becomes available.