Darvin Ham is bringing a much different energy to El Segundo this season, and anyone who wants a good understanding of what it means should read the Q/A done by ESPN's Marc Spears. In it, Ham talks about his upbringing, the grind required to make the league, and then to stay there. And then to put himself on the path to being an NBA head coach, which required a long stint in the G-League. He talks about Russell Westbrook, and his expectations for him this season, which include starting (which will, surely, disappoint Lakers fans hoping to see Westbrook come off the bench). Ham talked about Anthony Davis as the key to making the Lakers go, and that the team will support him in every way possible to make it happen.

And he talked about the experience he had working with Milwaukee head coach Mike Budenholzer, calling the work he does the gold standard around the league.

Put it all together, and his conversation with Spears can only leave a strong impression for fans and players about the man himself. It's far too early to know if Darvin Ham the coach will succeed in Los Angeles, but it's pretty clear that Darvin Ham the human being is about as solid as they come. In that sense, the Lakers have done well. And for a team that has a lot of Ham-esque players on the roster - guys who for one reason or another have found themselves in the discard pile - Ham seems like a perfect guy to help maximize their potential. He certainly is invested not just in the stars, but the role players as well.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Darvin Ham says Russell Westbrook will start. What that says about Ham's approach to Westbrook, and why it's a smart play at this point.

SEGMENT 2: Why Anthony Davis is the key to this year's Lakers.

SEGMENT 3: Ham on the coaches that have influenced him, maximizing role players and more.

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