$48 million player and NBA champion Bobby Portis is interested in joining the Lakers because of his connection with Darvin Ham.
Ham was the assistant coach for the Bucks from 2018-2022 before taking up the head coaching role in LA.
Bucks power forward Portis is wanting to reunite with Ham, according to Peter Dewey of Lakers Daily.
“According to a source, Portis is interested in joining the Lakers to reunite with former head coach Darvin Ham,” Dewey wrote. “Ham left the Bucks following the 2021-22 season to take the Lakers coaching job. He helped coach the Bucks during their NBA Finals run in the 2020-21 season with Portis on the roster.”
The Bucks had an embarrassing first round exit at the hands of the Heat this postseason and many thought it was due to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury, but Portis believes it was because of a different reason.
“Lol they thinking this 2k. Only thing hurt us was D ham leaving. That ain’t talked about enough,” Portis tweeted in response to a fan’s comment.
Lol they thinking this 2k. Only thing hurt us was D ham leaving. That ain’t talked about enough. https://t.co/6MbmVueZtC
— Bobby BP Portis (@BPortistime) May 17, 2023
In July last year, Portis signed a four-year $48.6 million contract with Milwaukee so the Lakers would have to do some manoeuvring to land him, as he won’t be an unrestricted free agent until 2025.
But it is definitely something to consider as the Lakers will need to make some changes this coming summer anyway and are in need some reliable power up front.
When Ham was hired by the purple and gold as a first time head coach, Giannis had nothing but good things to say about him so he was clearly well a respected figure at the Bucks’ organization.
“I’m so happy for him,” Antetokounmpo told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. “He’s the right fit for them. He keeps it real with you. No BS at all. It’s about damn time. He deserves it more than anyone.”
Once Ham arrived at the Lakers, he endured a tough 2-10 start to the season but was able to turn things around and lead the team to the Western Conference Finals.
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