The Los Angeles Lakers have officially revealed their coaching roster for the upcoming 2024-25 season, with several high-profile appointments aimed at revamping the team's performance on the court. The headline announcement is the appointment of JJ Redick as the new head coach, a significant move that signals the Lakers' commitment to player development and evolving team dynamics.
Redick Takes the Helm
After enjoying a successful 15-year playing career before retiring in 2021, JJ Redick steps into his new role ready to lead one of the NBA's most storied franchises. His transition from player to coach is one of the most anticipated storylines of the upcoming season. Redick's focus on player development emphasizes the Lakers' shift towards nurturing and maximizing the potential of their roster. "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," reflecting his collaborative efforts with Beau Levesque, the newly appointed player development coordinator.
Experienced Support Staff
Supporting Redick is a lineup of accomplished assistant coaches, bringing a wealth of experience and diverse coaching philosophies to the team. Nate McMillan, boasting over two decades of coaching experience across four different franchises, will serve as one of the main assistants. McMillan's recent tenure as the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks from 2021 to 2023 adds a valuable layer of expertise to the Lakers' bench.
Joining McMillan is Scott Brooks, known for his leadership with the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2008 to 2015 and most recently as an assistant for the Portland Trail Blazers. Brooks brings a seasoned perspective, likely to benefit the Lakers both in strategy and in-game adjustments.
Trailblazing Female Coaching Addition
Another notable addition is Lindsey Harding, who has made history as the first female coach in the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. Harding's impressive resume includes being named G League Coach of the Year for her work with the Stockton Kings last season, underscoring her capability and promise as a forward-thinking coach. Her appointment represents a significant step towards greater diversity and inclusion within the NBA coaching ranks.
Additional Coaching Talent
Rounding out the assistant coaching staff are Bob Beyer and Greg St. Jean. Beyer brings a wealth of coaching experience, ensuring that the Lakers have depth in their tactical planning. Greg St. Jean, who was part of the Lakers' player development team during their 2020 championship run, returns with a proven track record of success and familiarity with the franchise's winning culture.
Beau Levesque, stepping in as the player development coordinator, will play a crucial role in aligning with Redick's vision for nurturing the team's talent. Given the Lakers' strategy of placing a strong emphasis on player growth, Levesque's role cannot be understated.
A New Era Begins
The Lakers are coming off a challenging season in which they secured the No. 7 seed through the Play-In Tournament but were unable to advance past the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs, exiting in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. With such a dramatic overhaul in their coaching staff, the Lakers clearly aim to build a more robust foundation for the future.
The Lakers' decision to part ways with former head coach Darvin Ham after two seasons underscores their readiness for change and adaptation. The new coaching lineup, spearheaded by Redick, exudes a blend of youthful energy and seasoned insight, promising a new chapter for the Lakers under a redefined leadership structure.