Darvin Ham Reveals the Trait Linking Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Legends

Darvin Ham, well-known in the basketball community, has had a diverse coaching career. He started as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers and later worked with the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks. Currently, he serves as the top assistant to Doc Rivers in Milwaukee. Throughout his career, Ham has had the privilege of coaching basketball legends like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Pau Gasol, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. His experiences have granted him unique insights into what distinguishes elite players in the sport.

The Common Trait of Basketball Legends

In a recent episode of the Hoop Genius podcast, Ham discussed the key personality trait shared by all great players. He stated, “The common denominator in all of those guys is their responsibility to be great. This is shown through their work ethic, film study, and an understanding of the game’s details.” He emphasized that this trait is evident among legends like Bryant, James, and his former teammate Ben Wallace.

Teamwork and Responsibility

Ham understands that while individual talent is impressive, basketball is fundamentally a team sport. “Being an individual great player comes with a lot of responsibility,” he explained. According to Ham, true greatness is marked by an understanding that success is a collective effort.

• Kobe Bryant relied on stars like Shaquille O’Neal and Pau Gasol.
• LeBron James depended on players like Dwyane Wade, Kyrie Irving, and Anthony Davis.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo had support from Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton to win the championship in 2021.
• Even Michael Jordan acknowledged the importance of teamwork in his success.

Ham referenced a crucial moment when Jordan advised Steve Kerr to be ready to take the shot during a double-team situation. Kerr’s successful shot exemplified the power of teamwork in achieving greatness. Similarly, players like John Paxson and Scottie Pippen were critical contributors during Jordan’s championship runs.

Balancing Ego and Team Success

While every top player possesses a degree of ego, Ham noted that those who reach the highest levels often set aside their egos for the benefit of the team. This perspective has been crucial for many historical legends, including:

• Magic Johnson, supported by the Showtime Lakers.
• Larry Bird, who played alongside Hall-of-Famers in Boston.
• Tim Duncan, who had key players like Tony Parker and Manu Ginóbili.

Even contemporary players understand the need for collective effort. Last year’s success stories show how teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder thrived not solely on one star but through combined contributions from multiple players.

As the current season progresses, it’s evident that no single player will achieve glory alone. Instead, teamwork will be the critical factor in determining success on the court.