Lakers’ Darvin Ham Had Bleak Message After Playoff Exit vs. Nuggets

Andy Nesbitt | Apr 30, 2024

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham looks on during the first quarter of Game 5 vs the Denver Nuggets. / Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers had their season come to an end Monday night as Jamal Murray's game winner with just over three seconds left wrapped up the series in five games for the defending-champion Nuggets, who will move on to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round.

What's next for the Lakers could be a lot of changes. Head coach Darvin Ham could very well be on his way out after just two years on the job with Los Angeles.

After the season-ending loss, Ham seemed to make a bleak statement about his time with the Lakers, which made many people feel like that was likely his last game with the team.

“It’s been a hell of a two years sitting in this seat, I’ll tell you that. It’s been a hell of a two years.” - Darvin Ham

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 30, 2024

Denver's Michael Malone sang Ham's praises after Game 5:

Michael Malone: “I think Darvin Ham is a hell of a coach. That’s not an easy job. I think Darvin does it with class. He’s a good man, good coach, and I wish him all the best. Hopefully, he’ll be around there for a long time because he deserves to be.” pic.twitter.com/PJsDU6qfMF

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) April 30, 2024

The Lakers were swept by the Nuggets in the second round last year. We'll have to wait and see if this latest playoff exit is the last one for Ham in Los Angeles.