Warriors’ Russell (thumb) returns to starting lineup

The Los Angeles Lakers have parted ways with Darvin Ham as head coach after two seasons with the franchise.

Ham guided the Lakers to the Western Conference in his first season. In Year 2, the Lakers won the In-Season Tournament and lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round. The Lakers went 90-74 during the regular season with Ham.

Ham had two seasons remaining on his contract at approximately $5 million per year.

The Lakers previously fired Frank Vogel after three seasons with the club.

The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to make Paul George their “top target” during the 2024 offseason if he declines his $48.8 million option with the Los Angeles Clippers.

George was widely expected to sign a contract extension with the Clippers following the three-year, $152.4 million deal signed by Kawhi Leonard in January.

The Sixers only have Joel Embiid and Paul Reed under contract next season, while Tyrese Maxey will be a restricted free agent with a small cap hold. The Sixers could create close to $65 million in cap space, which would be more than enough to sign George to his max.