The Los Angeles Lakers have announced their complete coaching staff lineup for the upcoming 2024-25 season, spotlighting a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. The most noteworthy appointment is JJ Redick as the new head coach, marking a significant step in his post-playing career.
JJ Redick Takes the Helm
JJ Redick, who retired in 2021 after an illustrious 15-year NBA playing career, steps into the challenging role of head coach. Known for his sharp shooting and high basketball IQ during his playing days, Redick is now poised to lead the Lakers with a keen focus on player development.
"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," highlights the collaborative efforts Redick aims to forge, particularly with player development coordinator Beau Levesque.
A Wealth of Experience
Supporting Redick are a trio of highly experienced assistants: Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, and Lindsey Harding. McMillan brings over two decades of coaching experience across four franchises. His most recent position was as head coach of the Atlanta Hawks from 2021 to 2023. Known for his defensive acumen and robust leadership, McMillan's presence is expected to provide a steady hand on the Lakers' bench.
Scott Brooks, another seasoned assistant, made his mark as the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2008 to 2015, where he developed a young roster into perennial contenders. Brooks was most recently an assistant for the Portland Trail Blazers, adding another layer of tactical knowledge to the Lakers' coaching team.
Adding a groundbreaking element to the staff is Lindsey Harding, who becomes the first female coach in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. Harding's coaching credentials are substantial; she was named G League Coach of the Year for her stellar work with the Stockton Kings last season. Her pioneering presence is set to bring fresh perspectives to the Lakers' strategies and operations.
Additional Coaching Expertise
The Lakers have also enlisted the expertise of Bob Beyer and Greg St. Jean as assistant coaches. St. Jean is a familiar face, having been part of the Lakers' player development team during their successful 2020 championship run. His continuity with the organization will ensure that the Lakers' developmental programs remain robust and effective.
Meanwhile, Beau Levesque, who plays a pivotal role as the player development coordinator, will be working closely with both the coaching staff and the players to ensure a cohesive development strategy. With Levesque at the heart of Redick's player-focused mission, the Lakers are clearly positioning themselves to nurture and maximize their young talents.
Looking Back and Ahead
The previous season saw the Lakers exit in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, having secured the No. 7 seed through the Play-In Tournament. Despite a valiant effort, they were unable to advance past the Denver Nuggets. This outcome precipitated the departure of former head coach Darvin Ham after a two-year tenure, paving the way for Redick's appointment.
As the Lakers usher in this new era under JJ Redick's leadership, the blend of experienced coaches and fresh talents offers a promising foundation. With aspirations to climb higher in the standings and make a deeper playoff run, the revamped coaching staff will play a crucial role in shaping the team's future.
In sum, the Los Angeles Lakers' strategic appointments highlight their commitment to evolving and adapting. The combination of Redick's player-centric approach and the wealth of experience brought by his assistants sets the stage for an exciting season ahead. The basketball world will be watching closely to see how this new chapter unfolds for one of the NBA's most storied franchises.