Michael Malone’s Classy Message for Darvin Ham Led to Jokes From NBA Fans

Tim Capurso | Apr 30, 2024

Nuggets coach Michael Malone had some classy words for Lakers coach Darvin Ham after Monday's win over Los Angeles. / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Darvin Ham is reportedly in danger of losing his job as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers after their season-ending loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. But at least one person believes Ham deserves to keep his job—and it's none other than his counterpart from the first round series, Nuggets coach Michael Malone.

Speaking to the media after the game, Malone heaped praise on Ham.

“I think Darvin Ham is a hell of a coach," Malone said. "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.”

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

Malone is pure class for making these comments, but NBA fans on X, formerly Twitter, didn't see it that way, instead opting to make jokes about why the Nuggets coach would be so willing to praise Ham.

He said this because he’s 11-1 against him

— E.P. the Dreamer (@EPtheDreamer) April 30, 2024

This fan quipped that Malone obviously wants Ham to keep his job, given the fact that the Nuggets have won 12 of their last 13 matchups against the Lakers and have eliminated them from postseason contention in each of the last two years.

Other fans took the joke and kept on running with it.

Dude trying to sabotage the lakers lmfaooooo

— Ellis Island 23 🏝️ (@3onEllis) April 30, 2024

Always in Lakers sabatage mode. You got it Mike.

— STΞY (@_CBLOC_) April 30, 2024

Dudes such a troll 😂

— sygmod.eth (@sygmod) April 30, 2024

Chess not checkers https://t.co/VP6UDZK1aD

— JJ Baccari (@JJBACCARI) April 30, 2024

Malone is smart, knows this man can sabotage his direct opponent from the inside. Clever 👍🏼 https://t.co/0RDEI2Exaw

— Jad Mbarak (@JadMbarak7) April 30, 2024

Never change, NBA Twitter.

The Nuggets will move on to the Western Conference semifinals, where they'll take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Meanwhile, Los Angeles will have to navigate an offseason where its coach—and best player, LeBron James—faces an uncertain future.