The Lakers made big news heading into the weekend, landing on Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham to be their next head coach. The news was met with praise from Lakers Nation, the media and NBA players and execs alike, which is a great testament to the level of respect Ham has across the league. He seems to possess the qualities the Lakers need - communication skills, versatility, a good command of x’s and o’s, etc. - while bringing the potential for upside as he develops. The Lakers decided this stuff matters more than a previous run or two as a head man. Good for them. Even better, the Lakers seem to have addressed the shortcomings of the Frank Vogel Era. Ham will reportedly be allowed to choose his own staff, and won’t have Kurt Rambis sitting in on coaching meetings. Plus he’s reportedly getting four years, guaranteed! Letting the coach do his job without meddling seems obvious, but hasn’t been standard practice for the last few seasons. Whether the Lakers are afraid of bad press or have truly learned their lesson, they’re addressing the issue. That’s helpful. Ham’s versatility matters, too, in case the Lakers feel they need to move on from Rob Pelinka next offseason. He’s a guy the next GM would likely feel confident working with. That’s important, because hiring Ham was the easiest thing Pelinka has to do this summer. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The good news about Ham. Why people across the league like and respect him. SEGMENT 2: Have the Lakers learned their lesson when it comes to meddling with their coaches? SEGMENT 3: Now the hard work really begins for Rob Pelinka. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicks Check out PrizePicks.com and use promo code: “NBA” or go to your app store and download the app today. PrizePicks is daily fantasy made easy! 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. Subscribe to the Locked On Lakers Podcast 📲 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnLakers 🎧 Apple https://apple.co/3pEaatH 🎧 Spotify https://spoti.fi/3mhUKco 🎧 Audacy https://bit.ly/3vS6iGI 🎧 Stitcher https://bit.ly/2ZoGlCg 🎧 Google https://bit.ly/2XOv3Xu 🎧 Megaphone https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/lock... 📲 Follow the Kamenetzkys: https://twitter.com/KamBrothers Find a daily Podcast on Every NBA Team 📲 Locked On NBA: linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA #Lakers #LosAngelesLakers #Lebron Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices