Video: LA Lakers players celebrate coach Darvin Ham as he bags his first win as head coach
Darvin Ham recorded his first win as a full-time head coach of the LA Lakers, who beat the Denver Nuggets on Sunday (October 30) to snap their five-game skid.
Ham's arrival has improved the team in multiple ways, but the results weren't immediately evident, as the Lakers dropped their first five games. However, they produced a near-perfect performance against the Nuggets to give Ham his first win as Lakers coach.
After the game, the Lakers players gave Ham an ice bath to celebrate his first win.
Here's the clip (via NBA on TNT):
The Lakers gave Darvin Ham an ice bath after his first win as head coach of the team 🙌
(via thereal94feetofgame/IG) https://t.co/O7Ts6c6bnT
The LA Lakers recorded a 121-110 win over the Denver Nuggets. LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook delivered big time for the team.
James overcame a slow start, finishing with 26 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Meanwhile, Davis had 23 points and 15 rebounds, while Westbrook produced 18 points, eight rebounds and eight assists off the bench. The Lakers put together their best offensive game, shooting 43.3% from the deep (13 of 30) and 47.9% overall.
The Lakers also maintained their defensive efficiency to get the job done. LA got timely stops down the stretch to close the Nuggets. Darvin Ham will hope that his team can build off the win and string together a solid run to climb up the standings.
LA Lakers celebrating Darvin Ham's first win shows respect he has garnered from locker room
The LA Lakers signed Darvin Ham because of many reasons, especially for his demeanor. Ham is someone who knows how to earn the locker room's respect.
His experience as a player and assistant coach, working with superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, came in handy to land the Lakers job after he started his coaching career over a decade ago.
Ham can also maintain a locker room environment while holding players accountable. LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Davis have accepted his playing philosophy, and their commitment is visible on the court.
Darvin Ham has led the LA Lakers to second spot in defensive rating after finishing 21st in the category last season. The most significant impact Ham has had is instilling a selfless playing style with the star-studded roster.
"It's part of the process. We have to go through that bad in order to understand why tonight feels so great." Darvin Ham on winning his first game as head coach. https://t.co/Em7Y19vzeg
He seems to have found a way to fit Russell Westbrook into his system. Ham convinced Westbrook to take up a sixth man role, and the former MVP is thriving after many thought Westbrook wouldn't be receptive to a reduced role.
Westbrook has grown comfortable in his new role and has enjoyed being on the court. Ham has had tremendous support from the organization and the players, so it won't be surprising to see him lead the Lakers to a top six seed this season.