The Los Angeles Lakers have officially unveiled their complete coaching staff roster for the much-anticipated 2024-25 season, marking significant changes and strategic appointments. In a move that has garnered substantial attention, JJ Redick steps in as the new head coach, bringing a fresh perspective to the storied franchise.
Redick, who retired in 2021 after a commendable 15-year playing career, brings his extensive experience and deep understanding of the game to the fore. Known for his sharp shooting and high basketball IQ during his playing days, Redick now transitions to a leadership role where his vision and strategy will be put to the test. He has emphasized player development as a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy, stating, "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." This highlights the collaborative effort expected between Redick and the player development coordinator, Beau Levesque.
Veteran Presence
Supporting Redick is a cadre of seasoned coaches, each bringing a wealth of experience and a variety of coaching styles to the Lakers. Among them is Nate McMillan, who joins as an assistant coach. McMillan boasts over two decades of coaching experience across four different franchises. Most recently, he served as the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks from 2021 to 2023, confirming his capability and readiness to handle high-pressure situations and guide teams through challenging seasons.
Another pivotal addition is Scott Brooks, who similarly joins as an assistant coach. Brooks' most notable tenure was as the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2008 to 2015, where he played a significant role in developing young talents and leading the team to multiple playoff appearances. Before joining the Lakers, Brooks was seen as an assistant coach for the Portland Trail Blazers, bringing with him insights and a proven track record in both head coaching and assisting roles.
Breaking New Ground
In a historic move for the Lakers franchise, Lindsey Harding has been named an assistant coach. Harding earns the distinction of being the first female coach in the team's history. Her impressive resume includes being named the G League Coach of the Year for her exceptional work with the Stockton Kings last season. Harding's innovative approach and leadership skills will undoubtedly contribute to the dynamic and diverse coaching strategies of the Lakers.
Continuity and Development
Joining these prominent names are Bob Beyer and Greg St. Jean, both serving as assistant coaches. St. Jean, in particular, is familiar with the Lakers' system, having been part of the player development team during their 2020 championship run. This continuity and familiarity with the team's culture will be invaluable as the Lakers aim to return to championship contention.
In the role of player development coordinator, Beau Levesque will be working closely with Redick. Leveraging his expertise, Levesque is poised to play a crucial role in executing Redick's vision for player growth and development, focusing on nurturing talent and enhancing player performance.
Challenges Ahead
The recent changes come after a disappointing playoff performance last season, where the Lakers exited in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, having secured the No. 7 seed through the Play-In Tournament but failing to advance past the Denver Nuggets. The organization parted ways with former head coach Darvin Ham after two seasons, opening the door for Redick's new era to commence.
The new coaching lineup reflects a blend of fresh perspectives and seasoned expertise, setting the stage for a potentially transformative season for the Lakers. The upcoming season will test the synergy and effectiveness of this newly formed coaching team, as they aim to steer one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises back to its winning ways.