Lakers: 5 assistant coach candidates to hire under Darvin Ham

Jan 5, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks' acting head coach Darvin Ham calls a play in the second quarter during the game against the Toronto Raptors at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks' acting head coach Darvin Ham calls a play in the second quarter during the game against the Toronto Raptors at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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(Photo by Casey Sykes/Getty Images)
(Photo by Casey Sykes/Getty Images)

4. Nick Van Exel

We know that LeBron James seems to have a soft spot for coaches that previously played in the league. LeBron really enjoyed Tyronn Lue and heaped immense praise on Jason Kidd when he was the assistant coach of the Lakers.

After having so much success with a former point guard as an assistant coach, the Lakers could look to make lightning strike twice and bring in someone with deep ties to the franchise. We also know that Jeanie Buss values familiarity and relationships, making Nick Van Exel a potential candidate.

Nick Van Exel has spent six years in the league as an assistant coach, four with the Memphis Grizzlies, one with the Milwaukee Bucks and one with the Atlanta Hawks, where he currently is employed. He also has experience as a college assistant as well as being the head coach of the G League Texas Legends.

His playing resume is much longer than his coaching resume and would ultimately be the thing that would potentially get him hired by the Lakers. Van Exel played 13 years in the NBA and started his career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Van Exel spent five years in Los Angeles and was even named an all-star in his last season with the team. He may not have the resume that Jason Kidd has as a player but he is still a well-respected former player with coaching experience.