Los Angeles Lakers

33-49, no playoffs

Overview: Darvin Ham was still a fringe NBA player during the first two seasons of LeBron James’ career. While James went on to forge the glittery path that’s likely to make him the top scorer in league history this winter, Ham carved out a coaching career that has brought them together with the Lakers just in time for James’ 20th season. The Lakers hope that Ham’s fresh leadership will produce big results for the 17-time NBA champions, because that’s the most substantial change this franchise has made despite its dismal finish to last season.“This year, we’ve turned the page,” said Ham, the longtime Milwaukee assistant who took over for Frank Vogel.“We’re looking out through the windshield. Not so much through the rearview mirror.” None of the Lakers want to see what’s behind them, and with good reason: LA went 33-49 last season and missed the playoffs despite being a hot preseason pick for title contention after adding Russell Westbrook to team up with James and Anthony Davis.

Quote: “Every single day continues to get better and better,” James said.“The transparency that we have, from the day he was granted the head coaching job here, it’s been great. We’ve had multiple conversations. I think it was well overdue for him to be a head coach, and (I’m) overjoyed to be part of his journey.”