"We might as well give Darvin Ham Coach of the Year right now!" - Former NBA player praises Darvin Hams' coaching after LA Lakers win an OT thriller

The LA Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans thanks to a clutch 3-pointer by Matt Ryan. Coach Darvin Ham drew up a perfect play, allowing Ryan just enough time to get the shot off and send the game to overtime. Former NBA player and analyst Jalen Rose praised Ham for his decision to turn to an unheralded young player over his superstars.

Speaking on his ESPN show, "Jalen & Jacoby," Rose said:

"Let me tell you something. We might as well give Darvin Ham Coach of the Year right now. Right now because let me tell you sir, he has the courage of a burglar in broad daylight to be in Los Angeles.

"coaching the Lakers with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook on the team and neither one of those human beings touched the ball on the most important possession in the game and then it's a fall away one legged three."

Ham deserves praise for his decision to trust Matt Ryan, who has played just 75 minutes over six career games, over three future Hall of Famers. The move showed that, even as a first-year head coach, Ham is not afraid to make big decisions.

Los Angeles Lakers

@Lakers

Matty Ice calls OT

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Matty Ice calls OT ❄️ https://t.co/bIn3f95mLM

While the LA Lakers are just 2-5, their two wins have come after Ham's decision to play Russell Westbrook off the bench. The move has created additional spacing for stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, while allowing Westbrook to turn his season around after a slow start.

Watch Jalen Rose praise LA Lakers head coach Darvin Ham below:

Jalen Rose

@JalenRose

We might as well give Darvin Ham Coach of the Year right now!

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We might as well give Darvin Ham Coach of the Year right now! https://t.co/nJZ4gUra5h

Can Darvin Ham lead the LA Lakers to the postseason?

Following a 0-5 start, the LA Lakers have won their past two games. Both wins have come against teams expected to be contenders in the Western Conference. Ham's decision to play Westbrook as the sixth man, has been a big reason for the Lakers' improved play.

While LA has had one of the NBA's best defenses all season, largely thanks to Anthony Davis' return, they have struggled offensively so far this season. Through their first five games, the Lakers averaged just 102.2 points per game, which would was 29th in the NBA.

Over the past two games, however, the team has averaged 120.5 points per game, a mark that would be one of the best in the NBA. While their play over the past two games has been encouraging, the Lakers still need to show that they can maintain this level of offensive play throughout the season. They could surprise many if their offense starts to click.

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