Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Lakers’ formal summer has begun after they were defeated by the Denver Nuggets in Game 5 on Monday night thanks to yet another buzzer-beater from Jamal Murray.

Previous Story: Lakers’ season comes to an end following a Round 1 loss to the Denver Nuggets

Even though they managed to avoid being swept, the Lakers do not consider being eliminated in the first round to be acceptable. Darvin Ham, the head coach of the Lakers, is one individual who is allegedly under fire.

According to The Athletic and sources who spoke with ESPN, Ham’s employment is “in jeopardy.”

Ham’s capacity to oversee the dressing room was questioned during the season. LeBron James seemed to rage at his coach in Game 4 of the playoff series, while D’Angelo Russell’s unwillingness to participate in a team huddle in Game 3 further fueled the flames.

Some Lakers fans have shared their opinions on the matter. Chants of “Fire Darvin Ham” broke out during the fourth quarter of Game 3 at LA’s Crypto.com Arena, and Ham was booed during the video introduction in Game 4.

The Lakers experienced a roller coaster season. They showed potential by winning the league’s inaugural In-Season Tournament, but their journey was marked by both impressive victories and disappointing losses. By the end of the regular season, they were back in the play-in tournament within a highly competitive Western Conference, needing to battle for a spot in the official playoffs.

They succeeded in making it, but then faced the defending champions, a team they had not beaten until Game 4. Prior to that, they had lost all 12 of their previous matchups against Denver.

Moments after being eliminated from the playoffs, Ham received support from Nuggets head coach Michael Malone.

“I think Darvin Ham is a hell of a coach. That’s not an easy job. I think Darvin does it with class, and he and his staff deserve credit for that,” Malone said. “He’s a good man, good coach, and I wish him all the best. Hopefully, he’ll be around there for a long time because he deserves to be.”

Another pressing question for the franchise is LeBron James’ future. There is speculation that he may have played his final game in a Lakers uniform. Additionally, some reports suggest the Lakers are willing to draft Bronny James to fulfill the superstar’s wish to play in the league alongside his son.