BREAKING NEWS: Former Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham who is the top assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association sent a message to los angeles lakers head coach JJ Redick concerning…see more

In a moment that has sparked serious conversation around the NBA, former Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham—now serving as the top assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks—has sent a heartfelt and thought-provoking message to newly appointed Lakers head coach JJ Redick. The message, delivered during a press conference following a Bucks training session, was not just a professional gesture—it was a mixture of experience, reflection, and brotherhood that reverberated far beyond the walls of the gym.

This development comes at a pivotal time for both coaches. For JJ Redick, this is his first coaching role in the NBA after a well-respected playing career and a short stint as a media analyst and podcast host. For Darvin Ham, who coached the Lakers during a turbulent stretch between 2022 and 2024, this message represents a kind of professional passing of the torch—but not without warnings, encouragements, and a reminder of the immense pressure that comes with leading one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises.

A Coach’s Journey: Darvin Ham’s Experience with the Lakers

Darvin Ham’s tenure as head coach of the Lakers was marked by high expectations and turbulent challenges. Taking over the reins in 2022, Ham inherited a roster that included LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and a supporting cast struggling with chemistry and injuries. While the team saw moments of brilliance under his leadership—including a Western Conference Finals appearance—Ham was also heavily scrutinized for lineup decisions, play-calling, and how he managed rotations during crunch time.

Eventually, after two full seasons and early playoff exits, the Lakers’ front office made the decision to part ways with Ham at the end of the 2023–24 season. It was a bittersweet farewell, as Ham had built strong relationships within the organization and had earned respect for his demeanor, honesty, and player-first philosophy.

Now serving as the lead assistant to Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, Ham has found himself in a revitalized position—one that allows him to focus on player development, strategy, and mentorship, without the weight of being the head figure on the sidelines. But his connection to the Lakers remains deep, and it was evident in the message he directed at Redick.

The Message: Respect, Warning, and Encouragement

Speaking to media following a Milwaukee Bucks training camp in late July, Ham was asked about the Lakers’ new hire, JJ Redick, who has never coached at the NBA or collegiate level. Ham, visibly reflective, offered the following words:

“JJ’s stepping into a fire that never cools down. The Lakers job—man, it’s a dream, but it’s also one of the most unforgiving positions in the league. You win 50 games, and people ask why you didn’t win 55. You win a playoff series, and they wonder why you’re not in the Finals. But I’ll say this—JJ is smart, he understands the game at a high level, and if he leans into his instincts while staying humble and open to learning, he’s got a real shot at something special.”

Ham’s message did not stop there. He emphasized the importance of building trust with veterans, especially stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis (if still on the roster), and managing egos with tact and respect.

“They don’t just need a coach; they need a leader, a communicator, someone who holds them accountable without disrespect. That’s the trick, man. That’s where you either build a contender or lose the locker room.”

Ham also mentioned the media and fan pressure that comes with coaching in Los Angeles:

“It’s Hollywood. The spotlight’s always on. You make one bad rotation or call one timeout late, and the next day you’re the villain. You gotta stay even, keep your emotions out of the headlines, and just trust your system.”

The Redick Gamble: What’s at Stake?

JJ Redick’s appointment was met with mixed reactions from the NBA community. While some praise his basketball IQ, articulate analysis, and ability to communicate clearly—as seen in his work as an ESPN analyst and his “The Old Man and the Three” podcast—others question whether skipping the assistant coaching route entirely may be too risky, especially for a franchise under constant scrutiny like the Lakers.

Redick will be tasked with managing a potentially aging roster, navigating offseason trades, and finding a balance between analytics, player management, and instinctive coaching. All of these elements are heightened in Los Angeles, where media coverage is relentless, and expectations remain championship-level.

The support from Darvin Ham offers a bridge of mentorship. Though not working in the same building, Ham’s words serve as a warning and a warm endorsement, packaged in the language of someone who knows both the glory and the grind of being in Redick’s shoes.

Brotherhood Beyond the Game

While headlines are often dominated by drama, trades, or player conflicts, moments like this highlight the human side of the sport—where former players and coaches look out for each other across organizational lines. Ham and Redick may not have shared the court in any player-coach capacity, but their connection through the basketball brotherhood is evident.

Redick, upon hearing Ham’s comments, later responded in a Lakers-organized press interview:

“I’ve got a ton of respect for Coach Ham. He’s been through it, and hearing his words just reinforces what I already know—I’ve got to earn it. Nothing’s given in this league, and especially not in LA. I appreciate the advice, and I’m always open to learning from guys who’ve done the job.”

That acknowledgment, humble and focused, might be the first sign that Redick understands what’s ahead. In the chaotic world of NBA coaching, that kind of mindset is not just refreshing—it’s essential.

Looking Ahead

As the NBA heads into the 2025–26 season, the spotlight on the Lakers will burn brighter than ever. With JJ Redick at the helm, the questions will be endless: Can he earn the trust of the locker room? Will his basketball mind translate into real-time decisions? Can he handle the pressure?

Meanwhile, Darvin Ham continues his journey in Milwaukee, helping the Bucks chase another title. Though no longer a head coach, his influence on the league—and especially on Redick—remains palpable.

In a league where relationships matter as much as X’s and O’s, this moment between Ham and Redick is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the best advice doesn’t come from a playbook—it comes from those who’ve walked the same path and made it out with wisdom to share.