According to reports, LeBron James is not pleased with Darvin Ham’s attempts to reduce his playing time. Learn why the team’s performance was affected by this choice.   LeBron James, the key player for the Lakers, reportedly objected when Darvin Ham tried to restrict his playing time at the beginning of the season, according to ESPN’s NBA insider Ramona Shelburne. Ham was released by the Lakers after just two seasons. According to Shelburne, “From the start of the season, sources tell us that James opposed the idea of restraining his minutes, a proposal promptly abandoned after a few games.” Prominent players such as James and Anthony Davis hardly concealed their disapproval with Ham’s strategies, player substitutions, and in-game modifications during the season.

According to the story, a few games into the season, James rejected the concept, and it was quickly shelved. James played an average of 35.3 minutes per game for the Lakers, who won their first Play-In Tournament match against the New Orleans Pelicans to advance as the No. 7 seed in the playoffs.

The Lakers were 90-74 in Ham’s time there. They were swept by the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Finals, and in 2024, they lost to Denver in the opening round of the playoffs once more.

The Lakers’ general manager and vice president of basketball operations, Rоb Pelinka, thanked Ham for his service. “Although this is a difficult decision, we believe it’s the right one after a thorough season evaluation. 

We’re still committed to giving Lakers supporters everywhere championship-caliber basketball. We appreciate Darvin’s commitment and upbeat attitude,” said Pelinka.

LeBron may become a free agent this offseason if he chooses not to exercise his Lakers player option for 2024–25. He finished the season with an average of 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists while shooting 54.0% from the field, 41.0% from three, and 75.0% from the free-throw line.