Bronny James, the son of Lakers superstar LeBron James, may have unintentionally cast a shadow on former head coach Darvin Ham during the preseason, sparking conversations about Ham’s coaching methods.
As the 2023-24 NBA season approaches, discussions surrounding Ham’s tenure with the Lakers remain prominent. Bronny, a newcomer to the team, made a remark that, while seemingly harmless, contributed to the ongoing narrative suggesting that Ham’s coaching was not well-received by the players.
In a recent preseason interview, Bronny James was asked about his thoughts on new head coach J.J. Redick. He praised Redick’s leadership style, which contrasted with previous comments from players, including his father, LeBron, regarding the “vibes” under Ham’s guidance last season. This subtle remark adds to a growing list of indirect critiques from Lakers players, such as D’Angelo Russell and Cam Reddish, who have previously expressed frustrations with Ham’s coaching approach.
The question remains: Was Ham’s coaching style the root of the problem? Despite a brief tenure, Ham’s coaching has come under scrutiny, especially with players now openly sharing their thoughts. Many comments during media day and preseason interviews have highlighted the differences between Ham’s methods and those of Redick. These reflections, whether intentional or not, suggest that the team struggled to flourish under Ham’s leadership, making the transition to Redick a welcomed change for the roster.
As the Lakers gear up for the new season, it will be fascinating to see how Bronny adapts to Redick’s coaching and whether other players will continue to offer critical reflections on the Ham era. Regardless of whether Bronny intended to throw shade, his comments underscore a broader discussion about Ham’s impact on the team and its future direction.
