Milwaukee Bucks officially hire Jim Cleamons as assistant coach

The Milwaukee Bucks made it official, adding former Lakers assistant coach Jim Cleamons to Coach Larry Drew’s staff.

John Hammond, general manager of the Bucks, announced on Wednesday that the team has officially hired Scott Williams, Josh Oppenheimer and Cleamons as assistants. They’ll join former Laker Nick Van Exel and Bob Bender on Drew’s bench.

“I’m excited to be able to assemble this strong coaching staff in Milwaukee,” Drew said in a statement to the Associated Press. “Jim, Scott and Josh all bring their unique experiences to the Bucks bench as well as diverse coaching skills.”

Cleamons won a ring with the Lakers as a player as part of the 1971-72 championship team. He also collected five titles with the Lakers as an assistant coach to Phil Jackson.

Drew, also a former Laker, left the Atlanta Hawks this offseason to join the Bucks.

Milwaukee recently acquired Caron Butler, who previously played for both the Lakers and Clippers, from the Phoenix Suns. The Bucks also signed O.J. Mayo and traded for guard Brandon Knight.

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.