The Los Angeles Lakers have officially unveiled their coaching staff roster for the upcoming 2024-25 season, heralding a new era with several significant appointments and the retention of key personnel.
JJ Redick Takes the Helm
Leading the charge is JJ Redick, who steps into the role of head coach. Redick, who retired in 2021 after a distinguished 15-year playing career, brings a fresh perspective to the Lakers' bench. Known for his sharp shooting and basketball IQ during his playing days, Redick now aims to translate those skills into coaching acumen.
Redick's appointment marks a notable shift for the Lakers, who have parted ways with former head coach Darvin Ham after two seasons. Under Ham's leadership, the Lakers secured a No. 7 seed through the Play-In Tournament but were ultimately eliminated in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs by the Denver Nuggets.
Experienced Assistants Join the Fray
Supporting Redick is a cadre of experienced assistant coaches, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. Nate McMillan, who boasts over two decades of coaching experience across four different franchises, joins the Lakers' staff. Most recently, McMillan served as the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks from 2021 to 2023, where he guided the team through several competitive seasons.
Another significant addition is Scott Brooks, former head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2008 to 2015. Brooks was last seen on the sidelines as an assistant coach for the Portland Trail Blazers, where he contributed to the development of a young and dynamic roster.
Breaking Barriers and Making History
In a historic move, Lindsey Harding has been appointed as an assistant coach, becoming the first female coach in the history of the Lakers franchise. Harding's coaching prowess was recently recognized when she was named G League Coach of the Year for her exceptional work with the Stockton Kings last season. Her addition to the Lakers' bench is a significant step forward in diversifying the coaching ranks within the NBA.
Focusing on Player Development
Greg St. Jean and Bob Beyer add further depth to the coaching staff. St. Jean, who was part of the Lakers' player development team during their 2020 championship run, returns to continue his influential work. Beyer, another seasoned coach, brings extensive experience and strategic insight to the team.
Central to Redick's vision for the Lakers is a robust focus on player development. Beau Levesque has been appointed as the player development coordinator, placing him at the heart of this mission. "Redick has noted that he wants player development to be a key focus of his tenure, and Levesque will be at the center of that mission," emphasizing a forward-thinking approach that could define the Lakers' future success.
The Road Ahead
As the Lakers prepare for the upcoming season, the newly assembled coaching staff faces the challenge of turning around a team that struggled to advance beyond the first round of the playoffs last season. With a mixture of seasoned veterans and promising new faces guiding the squad, there is renewed optimism in Los Angeles.
The Lakers' faithful will be eager to see how these strategic appointments translate onto the court. The combination of Redick's fresh leadership style, the vast experience of assistants like McMillan and Brooks, and the groundbreaking inclusion of Harding, positions the Lakers for a potentially invigorating season ahead. All eyes will be on how this diverse and talented coaching staff can inspire a resurgence for one of the NBA's most storied franchises.