Darvin Ham Gets Honest On His Rocky Relationship With D'Angelo Russell

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham says his relationship with D’Angelo Russell is 'in a great place.' 

“We have great conversations. Great text exchanges after games. During the game our in-game conversations. … It’s tough. That’s why the phrase is called ‘building a relationship.’” 

Ham openly discussed Russell's qualms about his relationship with Dennis Schroder.

“It doesn’t hit the ground running all the time smooth. Trying to figure things out on the fly. And yeah, Dennis is someone I love and care about. Dennis is a helluva player. But just trying to learn 'Lo on the fly and figure things out.” 

The Lakers coach also gave Russell credit for his communication skills and claimed both he and D'Lo are willing to be honest with each other and take accountability when required.

“Then, for him, the beautiful thing about it I think that caused the difference in where we were then and where we are now is our ability to talk and be honest with one another. And our ability to really take accountability with one another.” 

Ham ended by saying their relationship was in a great place, with both motivated to win.

“… It’s two grown men both caring about winning. Both trying to help one another figure this thing out. And who both want to get to the level we know we can get to. … But in terms of he and I, I think we’re in a great place right now. I’m sure he would agree.”

Last night wasn't a great example of the new and positive relationship between Russell and Ham. Russell had one of his worst performances in 2024 with six points on nine shots in the Lakers' 107-120 loss to the Kings. 

Many fans blamed Ham for the loss, especially the decision to not heavily feature Rui Hachimura in the second half after he scored 17 points in the first. Even Russell seemed to have a shady response around the team's strategy with Hachimura in the second half when asked by media, showcasing the relationship between him and Ham isn't completely healed.

Can Darvin Ham And D'Angelo Russell Co-Exist And Succeed?

Russell has put his frustration with Ham on display earlier this season but nobody knew their relationship was as poor as Russell revealed it to be. With the Lakers having played 65 games this season already, it's clear that the team will not be changing their point guard or coach at this point. This means they have to co-exist and find a way to succeed.

Ham seems to be trying to mend the bridge with his comments, but Russell's reaction to the lack of Hachimura in the Lakers' second-half gameplan shows he might not be on board with his coaching still. Unless the Lakers win a title this season, either the guard or the coach might find their tenure in LA come to an end. 

In Ham's defense, he did give Russell the starting point guard position back after benching him this season because of the positive impact Russell can have offensively. He wasn't held back in a sixth-man role out of spite, as strong performances rewarded him with a solidified starter role. He's averaged 19.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.6 assists since January 2024. 

The Lakers seem to have a low ceiling on success this season given their struggles. The 36-31 franchise will be hoping to make the playoffs from the Play-In tournament. If they get eliminated without making the playoffs, Ham will be a goner. Russell controls his future with a player option in the summer, so he'll wait and see if there are any coaching changes in LA before making a decision.