Lakers fire head coach Darvin Ham after disappointing playoff exit

Ham led the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals in his first year but failed to replicate that success in his second season, resulting in a first-round playoff exit against the Denver Nuggets.

The Lakers are now searching for their fourth head coach to lead the team, particularly superstar LeBron James, who is entering his seventh season with the franchise.

This move marks a significant change for the Lakers as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing season and make a deeper playoff run next year.

"We greatly appreciate Darvin Ham's efforts on behalf of the Lakers.

"We also recognize the many accomplishments achieved over the past two seasons including last year's remarkable run to the Western Conference finals," Rob Pelinka, Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager, said in a statement.