Darvin Ham is bringing a much different energy to El Segundo this season, and anyone who wants a good understanding of what it means should read the Q/A done by ESPN's Marc Spears. In it, Ham talks about his upbringing, the grind required to make the league, and then to stay there. And then to put himself on the path to being an NBA head coach, which required a long stint in the G-League. He talks about Russell Westbrook, and his expectations for him this season, which include starting (which will, surely, disappoint Lakers fans hoping to see Westbrook come off the bench). Ham talked about Anthony Davis as the key to making the Lakers go, and that the team will support him in every way possible to make it happen. And he talked about the experience he had working with Milwaukee head coach Mike Budenholzer, calling the work he does the gold standard around the league. Put it all together, and his conversation with Spears can only leave a strong impression for fans and players about the man himself. It's far too early to know if Darvin Ham the coach will succeed in Los Angeles, but it's pretty clear that Darvin Ham the human being is about as solid as they come. In that sense, the Lakers have done well. And for a team that has a lot of Ham-esque players on the roster - guys who for one reason or another have found themselves in the discard pile - Ham seems like a perfect guy to help maximize their potential. He certainly is invested not just in the stars, but the role players as well. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Darvin Ham says Russell Westbrook will start. What that says about Ham's approach to Westbrook, and why it's a smart play at this point. SEGMENT 2: Why Anthony Davis is the key to this year's Lakers. SEGMENT 3: Ham on the coaches that have influenced him, maximizing role players and more. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! TrueBill Don’t fall for subscription scams. Start cancelling today at Truebill.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts! Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Arcade1up Pre-order now from arcade1up.com - that’s Arcade, the number 1, Up, dot com - for an estimated early September ship date! They are giving away a NBA JAM Shaq edition to a Locked On listener! Enter for a chance to win a game console for your man-cave at arcade1up.com/lockedon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices