Darvin Ham Begins Forming His Lakers Coaching Staff: Phil Handy Stays!

On Monday, Darvin Ham was introduced to the LA media as head coach. On Tuesday, he began shaping his staff. Most notable were the names of the guys from last year's staff he let go - David Fizdale, Mike Penberthy, John Lucas III - and one of the two guys he kept. Phil Handy is widely considered among the best assistant coaching in the NBA, a guy many believe should be getting more shine for head jobs. Handy, who worked with Ham on Mike Brown's Lakers staff a decade ago and has a deep relationship with LeBron James, isn't going anywhere. He, along with Quinton Crawford, will be part of next year's group as well. It's another piece of good news, and an indication that Ham will be able to make a strong pitch to those coaches he wants to see join his staff, including some who might be under contract in other cities. How much does it matter that he find a guy with head coaching experience? What about the other things Ham emphasized? Like defense? Accountability? Sacrifice? Particularly on the defensive side of things, is he capable of delivering if Rob Pelinka doesn't deliver a better roster? Finally, Pelinka says the Lakers lacked toughness last year, and it's hard to argue. But why? How much of that was on Vogel, and how much can be addressed by changing coaches? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Darvin Ham is making moves, letting three members of last year's staff go... but keeping Phil Handy. SEGMENT 2: What kind of staff is Ham going to assemble? Does he need a guy with head coaching experience? What about specialists? SEGMENT 3: The Lakers weren't tough last year. Why? Can Ham help fix that? 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. Sakara Sakara is a wellness company anchored in food as medicine, on a mission to nourish. Go to Sakara.com/LOCKEDON20 or Enter Code “LOCKEDON20” for 20% off at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices