Sources: Ham returns to Bucks as top assistant

Former Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham has agreed to join Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers’ staff as the top assistant, sources told ESPN on Monday.

Ham, whom the Lakers dismissed after going 94-70 with a trip to the Western Conference Finals in two seasons, returns to a Bucks franchise where he had spent four returns and was a part of the 2021 NBA championship season.

Ham had been highly sought-after this offseason as a top assistant coach and now lands back with a Bucks franchise that was injury-riddled in a first-round loss to Indiana this season. He has strong relationships with key Bucks players, including two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Rivers, who was hired 42 games into the regular season after the departure of first-year coach Adrian Griffin, has been remaking the team’s coaching staff.