It’s no secret that Darvin Ham’s tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers wasn’t without friction, and after the Grizzlies’ 122-99 win over the Bucks, Scotty Pippen Jr. added fuel to those rumors. Pippen, who had a standout defensive night against Damian Lillard, held the All-Star guard to a mere four points on 1-of-12 shooting. But the real spotlight came after the game when Pippen took a subtle victory lap, hinting at a “former coach” who doubted him—a message clearly aimed at Ham.
Ham joined the Lakers in 2022 but found himself out after two seasons despite leading the team to the Western Conference Finals in his first year. Ham’s reputation for sticking to his own strategies, often to the frustration of his players, is said to have contributed to his firing. Reports suggest that a behind-the-scenes push for change gained traction as players like D’Angelo Russell and Cam Reddish voiced criticisms at Lakers’ media day. Even Bronny James chimed in, further signaling discontent among the roster.
Pippen’s comments come as a strong indication of the lasting rift, given his limited time under Ham. Appearing in only six games during the 2022-23 season before being sent down to the G League, Pippen now seems to have found his stride with Memphis, adding a little extra satisfaction by shutting down Ham’s current Bucks squad.
While Pippen stopped short of naming Ham, his postgame remarks left little doubt about who he meant, suggesting a coach who “didn’t have faith in him.” For Pippen, Thursday’s performance not only showcased his growth but also served as a form of silent retribution. It’s hard not to imagine the satisfaction he must have felt, proving himself on a big stage against the coach who had once doubted him.
