“LeBron James Is Not From This Planet”: Darvin Ham Gives Out Early Grades For Lakers Roster

ByKamran Khan September 29, 2022August 12, 2025

Newly appointed LA Lakers head coach Darvin Ham cites his first observations about the big three LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook.

After his disappointing exit last season, Lakers president Rob Pelinka and company were in no mood to mess around with superstar LeBron James’ championship window closing. So he sprang into action even before free agency began, beginning with former coach Rob Pelinka’s relinquishment of his duties.

After weeks of interviewing various candidates, the Lakers selected former NBA player and Milwaukee Bucks top assistant Darvin Ham for the job. Hired as the 28th head coach of the iconic Los Angeles franchise, Ham is known for his no-nonsense approach and rushed mentality of his.

OFFICIAL: Welcome to Los Angeles, Coach Ham! pic.twitter.com/V91QyME7EI

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 3, 2022

Ironically, the 48-year-old has a history with purple and gold, having been an assistant coach during the late Kobe Bryant’s era at Staples Center. However, Coach Ham faces one of the toughest challenges of his coaching career with the current Lakers roster. Judging from Coach Ham’s early observations about the Big 3, Lakers Nation has reason to rejoice.

Darvin Ham reveals what has impressed him most so far

Ham admitted to being powerfully mesmerized by King James’ uncanny athletic abilities, calling the four-time Finals MVP from another planet. Entering his 20th season, Bron is coming out as a top 3 scorer, looking to overtake Kareem-Abdul Jabbar as the all-time scorer in the upcoming season.

Coach Ham’s challenge begins with making sure Anthony Davis stays healthy, who has spent more time in ‘street clothes’ than the purple jersey in gold over the past two seasons. The former assistant coach of the Bucks is aware that a championship is not possible without the services of The Brow.

Another crucial point remains Russell Westbrook’s role in the team, while his starting role is yet to be decided, coach Ham wants the former MVP to take a more defensive approach.

With the start of tryouts, the new Lakers coach gave his initial observations of the team.

Some Ham early observations:
– "LeBron is not from this planet, that's for damn sure.
– "AD's ability to pass."
– "Russ, the open spacing … (the opponent) not being able to build a wall, him exploding into the paint."
– "LeBron's ability to defensive rebound and bring it."

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) September 28, 2022