The Los Angeles Lakers fired coach Darvin Ham on Friday after two NBA seasons, prompting speculation that LeBron James was involved in the decision.
Ham’s dismissal comes after the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets, the same team that knocked them out of the postseason last year.
ESPN’s Michael Wilbon, a longtime friend of Ham’s, criticized James on Friday’s edition of “Pardon the Interruption,” saying the superstar should take more accountability for the team’s performance.
“If you want to be the GOAT, and you want to tell everybody you’re the greatest player of all time, then take accountability like one,” Wilbon said.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers have not announced a replacement for Ham, but speculation is already swirling about who will take over next season.
Ham’s tenure with the Lakers was marked by a successful first season, where he led the team to the conference finals. However, this season was marred by inconsistency and injuries, leading to their early exit from the playoffs.
James has been accused of having a hand in the firing of coaches in the past, including Mike Brown and Erik Spoelstra, during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers’ front office is under pressure to find a new coach who can lead the team to a championship or risk facing the wrath of James and the team’s ownership group.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
