The Los Angeles Lakers have revealed their complete coaching roster for the 2024-25 season, featuring a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh faces poised to steer the team to greater heights.
JJ Redick Leads as Head Coach
Perhaps the most notable announcement is JJ Redick stepping into the role of head coach. Redick, who retired in 2021 after an illustrious 15-year playing career, will be looking to translate his on-court expertise into coaching success. His focus during tenure appears to be on fostering player development, and he has emphasized the importance of collaboration with his team in achieving this goal. "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 commitment to growth.
Assistant Coaches Bring a Wealth of Experience
Joining Redick on the sidelines are several highly experienced assistant coaches. Nate McMillan, with over two decades of coaching experience across four different franchises, steps in as one of Redick's key assistants. McMillan most recently served as the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks from 2021 to 2023, bringing with him a deep knowledge of the game and a strategic mindset.
Alongside McMillan is Scott Brooks, known for his successful tenure as the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2008 to 2015. Brooks has most recently been seen as an assistant coach for the Portland Trail Blazers, and his presence is expected to add considerable depth and insight to the coaching staff.
Trailblazing Addition: Lindsey Harding
The Lakers have made a historic move by appointing Lindsey Harding as an assistant coach, the first female coach in the franchise's history. Harding's accolades include being named the G League Coach of the Year for her work with the Stockton Kings last season, showcasing her capability and leadership in player development and strategic planning.
Other Key Appointments
Bob Beyer and Greg St. Jean round out the assistant coaching team. St. Jean notably contributed to the Lakers' player development team during their 2020 championship run, indicating a deep familiarity with the organization's culture and expectations.
Beau Levesque has been appointed as the player development coordinator, a role that will see him working closely with Redick to refine and hone the skills of the Lakers' roster. His position will be crucial as the team aims to capitalize on young talents and ensure continuous improvement throughout the season.
Reflecting on Last Season
The coaching changes come in the wake of a challenging season for the Lakers. The team exited in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs after securing the No. 7 seed through the Play-In Tournament, ultimately falling short against the Denver Nuggets. This prompted a re-evaluation of the team's strategic direction and led to the parting ways with former head coach Darvin Ham after two seasons at the helm.
The appointment of JJ Redick and his experienced staff signals a new phase for the Los Angeles Lakers—one that promises a strong emphasis on nurturing talent and developing a resilient, tactically astute team. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as this new coaching team works to bring the Lakers back to playoff prominence in the upcoming season.