New Netflix Doc Shows Why LeBron James Got Darvin Ham Fired

The Los Angeles Lakers parted ways with head coach Darvin Ham in the offseason after two years with the team. They then made the surprising decision to hire first-time head coach JJ Redick to lead the team.

This move was seen as a LeBron James-driven decision at the time. Redick was a good friend and podcast co-host to James and there were already speculations about LeBron not being particularly happy about Ham's coaching.

With the release of Netflix's new docuseries Starting 5, fans got more insight into LeBron and Ham's relationship. In a clip focusing on the Lakers' season opener against the Nuggets, LeBron is seen furious with the coaching staff about his minutes and role.

NBA News: LeBron James Was Furious With Darvin Ham About Minutes Restriction

At the start of last season, Ham had hoped to reduce LeBron's workload and keep his minutes between 28 and 32 minutes in the regular season. In the clip from the docuseries, this plan backfires immediately as James is seen complaining about his playing time. He tells the coaching staff that with his fitness and physical shape, he should be able to play more minutes.

A clear tension from the first game of the season meant that James and Ham had a rocky relationship for the rest of the season. The team never clicked and was at a play-in level despite getting remarkably healthy seasons from James and Anthony Davis.

The fact that James was able to stay healthy through the regular season and the playoffs could mean that the coaching staff's plan actually worked. However, it resulted in an angry and frustrated LeBron James. That rarely ends up well for the head coach and that is exactly what happened with Ham in the offseason.

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