BEST NEWS YET: Lakers Fans Rejoice as Head Coach JJ Redick Brings Back Darvin Ham in Stunning Move — Former L.A. Coach Set for Prominent Role in Bold New Era
The Los Angeles Lakers have always been a franchise where the spotlight never dims, and every move sends ripples across the basketball world. But even by L.A.’s standards, the recent announcement from newly appointed head coach JJ Redick has ignited a wave of excitement, nostalgia, and curiosity that has taken both fans and analysts by storm. In a stunning development, Redick revealed that former Lakers head coach Darvin Ham would be returning to the franchise, this time stepping into a significant new role within the organization. For a team that has seen its fair share of high-profile hires, coaching shakeups, and dramatic shifts in direction, this move represents a rare blend of continuity and evolution. The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with many Lakers fans describing the news as the best they could have possibly hoped for heading into the next chapter of the team’s journey.
Darvin Ham’s first tenure as Lakers head coach was met with both optimism and intense scrutiny. Brought in with the hopes of restoring order and maximizing the aging but still potent star power of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Ham’s run at the helm was a mixed bag of highs and lows. He managed to stabilize a team that had looked disjointed at times, pushing them into playoff contention and briefly rekindling the belief that another championship could be within reach. However, inconsistencies, rotational questions, and a crowded Western Conference ultimately saw the team fall short of expectations. Ham was dismissed after a relatively short stint, and while there were no shortage of criticisms, many within the organization and around the league recognized the difficult hand he had been dealt.
Enter JJ Redick — a man whose arrival as Lakers head coach was met with as much intrigue as it was uncertainty. A former sharpshooter with a deep basketball IQ and a voice that had already become influential through his media work and podcasting, Redick was seen as a bold, outside-the-box hire. With no prior coaching experience at the professional level, the question wasn’t about whether Redick understood the game — that was never in doubt — but whether he could command a locker room, manage egos, and navigate the relentless pressure that comes with coaching one of the NBA’s most scrutinized franchises. Instead of easing into his new role quietly, Redick has made a statement — and that statement is Darvin Ham.
By bringing Ham back, Redick is signaling several things. First, he’s embracing humility and wisdom, acknowledging that building a championship-level staff requires experience and familiarity with the terrain. Ham knows the Lakers. He knows the roster, the front office dynamics, the intensity of the L.A. market, and the expectations that hang over the franchise like banners in the rafters. He has seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t in this unique environment. His return provides Redick with a trusted voice, a bridge between eras, and a powerful stabilizing presence on the bench.
Second, Redick’s move is a testament to Ham’s character and respect within the basketball community. Rarely do former head coaches return to the same team in a different role, especially so soon after being let go. That Ham would accept the offer — and that Redick would extend it — speaks volumes about the mutual respect between the two men. It also suggests that Ham views this opportunity not as a demotion, but as a new and meaningful way to contribute to something larger than himself. With fewer of the political burdens that come with the head coaching title, Ham may now be in a position to thrive as a strategist, motivator, and mentor.
The specifics of Ham’s new role have yet to be fully detailed, but sources close to the organization suggest that he will be taking on a lead assistant role, perhaps with added responsibilities in player development and defensive schematics — areas where Ham has long excelled. His ability to connect with players, particularly role players and younger talent, was often cited as a strength during his previous tenure. As the Lakers look to develop their younger core while still maximizing the twilight years of LeBron’s career, that skillset becomes especially valuable.
The reaction across the NBA landscape has been telling. Players, fellow coaches, and insiders have largely praised the decision. Several current Lakers reportedly expressed happiness and relief upon hearing the news, with some viewing it as a sign of stability in what has been an offseason of flux. Fans, too, have embraced the announcement with open arms. Social media lit up with celebratory posts, memes, and emotional callbacks to Ham’s passionate sideline demeanor and his deep care for the organization.
This move also reflects a broader shift in the Lakers’ approach under new leadership. There appears to be a deliberate effort to blend innovation with tradition, youth with experience, and analytics with instincts. Redick’s rise to the head coaching position represents the franchise’s willingness to think differently — to bet on intelligence, communication, and vision over résumé. But pairing that vision with someone like Ham suggests a recognition that success in the NBA is rarely the result of any one ideology. It’s the product of collaboration, diversity of thought, and institutional memory. In this regard, Redick and Ham could become one of the most intriguing coaching duos in the league.
It’s also worth noting what this decision says about the Lakers’ commitment to winning now while building for the future. The team has one of the league’s most complex rosters — headlined by future Hall-of-Famers, surrounded by rising stars, and supported by veteran role players with varying levels of consistency. Navigating that landscape requires more than just playbooks; it demands emotional intelligence, adaptability, and trust. Redick’s decision to lean on Ham, who already knows many of these players intimately, is a smart shortcut to establishing that trust quickly.
As the Lakers prepare for what could be a pivotal season, every move will be dissected through the lens of championship potential. With LeBron James nearing the end of his career and Anthony Davis needing to remain healthy and dominant for any true title aspirations, the margin for error is razor-thin. Redick and Ham will have to work in lockstep, creating schemes that elevate the team’s strengths while minimizing its weaknesses. They’ll need to manage minutes wisely, keep egos in check, and find ways to ignite a competitive fire that sometimes flickered during last season’s inconsistencies.
Yet, in spite of the challenges, there is a growing sense of optimism in Los Angeles. For the first time in a while, the Lakers seem to be operating with clarity and unity. Redick’s boldness, combined with Ham’s experience, has created a unique coaching identity that could turn heads around the league. This is no longer about clinging to past glory or merely surviving another turbulent season. It’s about building something enduring, resilient, and distinctly Laker.
The symbolism of Ham’s return cannot be overstated. It represents redemption, humility, and a willingness to evolve — both on his part and the organization’s. It’s a nod to the idea that great leadership isn’t always about titles, and that respect, once earned, never really fades. It also sets a tone for accountability and growth that will surely resonate throughout the locker room. If Ham, a former head coach, is willing to embrace a new role and contribute in a different way for the good of the team, then every player on the roster has a blueprint for selflessness and adaptability.
In the months to come, there will be challenges — there always are in L.A. But if this new partnership delivers on even a fraction of its promise, the Lakers may have just pulled off something rare in modern professional sports: a move that honors the past, energizes the present, and builds toward a smarter, stronger future. For fans who have endured their share of turbulence, this moment feels like a breath of fresh air. And for JJ Redick, it’s a powerful first step in proving that he’s not just ready for the job — he’s ready to lead with vision, humility, and courage.
