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Why Lakers chose Darvin Ham as head coach: 'He can garner respect from his players'

Darvin Ham carved out a nearly decade-long career due to being respected and loved in the locker room.

After years as an assistant coach, it was only a matter of time before he moved six inches over to lead a franchise — reportedly being selected as the next caretaker for the proud Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise at a crossroads of sorts.

But those who know him, and know of his reputation, believe he’s well-equipped for the job and fits an archetype for what the Lakers were looking for. Ham spent the past few years with the Milwaukee Bucks as a top assistant under Mike Budenholzer, developing a reputation for being a player’s coach — a term several executives used to describe him.