Ham Confirmed as Lakers Coach

Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James. Reuters
Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James. Reuters
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Ham Confirmed as Lakers Coach

Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James. Reuters
Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James. Reuters

Darvin Ham was formally confirmed as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, the team announced in a statement.

Ham, an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks, joins the franchise on a multiyear deal, the team said.

The 48-year-old Ham was a key assistant to Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer during Milwaukee's NBA championship-winning 2021 campaign.

He replaces Frank Vogel, who was fired in April after the Lakers' disastrous season that saw the 2020 champions fail to reach the playoffs.

Ham's appointment had been widely expected, with reports last month saying he had agreed a four-year deal.

Lakers star LeBron James had already congratulated Ham via social media, writing: "So damn EXCITED!!!!"

Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said Friday Ham would bring a "no-nonsense" approach to the franchise, citing his steady rise through the coaching ranks from developmental league to elite level.

"When someone begins his NBA coaching career at the G League level and goes all the way through playing an integral role on the front bench of an NBA Championship team, it really speaks to a certain strength of character," Pelinka said.

"Our players and fans will immediately identify with Darvin's no-nonsense and hard-working approach, which we feel will bring a toughness and a competitive edge to all we do.

"We could not be more honored and proud to name Darvin Ham as our new head coach."

Ham takes over a Lakers team in disarray after a 33-49 season.

The Lakers had been tipped as championship contenders after acquiring Russell Westbrook in a blockbuster trade last year, but the move was widely seen as a failure.



Renard Confirms Saudi National Team's Readiness for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
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Renard Confirms Saudi National Team's Readiness for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA

French coach Hervé Renard has confirmed the Saudi national football team's readiness to compete in the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait, from 21 December 2024 to 3 January 2025, and stressed that the team aims to achieve great results, rather than merely gain experience.
Renard also said the tournament is a valuable opportunity to enhance the players' technical and physical capabilities, SPA reported.
Speaking at a press conference, Renard said: "We are here to participate effectively and win. This tournament provides a great platform to work with the players and prepare them for future competitions."
Regarding the team's condition, Renard said that player Hassan Tambakti is ready for action, while Salem Al-Dawsari is "working on regaining full fitness".

He commended Al-Dawsari for his dedication to speeding up his recovery. Meanwhile, Firas Al-Brikan is dealing with an injury, and his availability will depend on further evaluations, said Renard.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Renard said: "I accepted this challenge because I believe in the players' capabilities. We must work with team spirit and focus on improvement in the coming period."
As far as the team's opening match against Bahrain is concerned, Renard said: "We are preparing for a tough game. The preparation period was crucial, and our focus now is on delivering a strong performance."
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday in what promises to be an exciting start to their Gulf Cup matches. Both teams are eager to make a strong impression in their opening match.