The Los Angeles Lakers have undergone a dramatic transformation this summer, overhauling their entire coaching staff in a bid to inject fresh energy and new strategic thinking into the team. At the center of this bold reorganization is the hiring of JJ Redick as the new head coach, replacing Darvin Ham. This move signals a significant shift in the Lakers' approach, given that Redick has no prior coaching experience at any level.
Despite his lack of coaching history, Redick's pedigree as a former player and his promising stint in sports media have laid the groundwork for his unexpected transition to leadership. Redick's celebrated playing career, marked by sharp shooting and high basketball IQ, suggests he may bring innovative strategies to the Lakers' playbook.
New Vision for the Lakers
Backed by Lakers' president Jeanie Buss, Redick's appointment is seen as a strategic gamble designed to revitalize a franchise with a storied history but recent inconsistencies. Buss spoke on the decision, emphasizing, "We wanted to kind of think a different way. Really, he's got a vision. I'm not comfortable talking about the basketball stuff, but we were looking for a candidate that would bring something different and really invest in developing young players. JJ is the right person for us. Again, I just want to work to really speak for itself, so I don't want to hype it and say it's gonna be a home run. We have to give him time to establish what he wants to establish."
Redick's vision includes an uptick in 3-point attempts—a notable shift given that under Ham, the Lakers were 28th in the league in 3-point attempts per game with just 31.4. Additionally, Redick aims to improve the team's offensive rebounding and run more organized offensive sets. These changes come on the back of a season where the Lakers, under Ham, were 29th in offensive rebounding rate and finished mid-pack in offensive rating.
Experienced Supporting Staff
Redick won't be navigating this transition alone. He is supported by a cadre of veteran assistant coaches, including Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding. This seasoned trio brings a wealth of experience to the bench, providing Redick with invaluable support as he acclimates to his new role. Jeanie Buss highlighted the significance of this strong support system: "I'm really impressed with his staff. Right now, it's not mandatory for the players to come in and practice, but players are coming in and working out. The coaching staff with Nate McMillan and Scotty Brooks, there's a lot of experience that will be there for him to make that adjustment to being a head coach. Certainly, a 12-year career in the league, he's got a lot of experience. He knows what this league is about, and I think he'll be a great leader."
Player Development and Culture Change
Another cornerstone of Redick's strategy is a strong emphasis on player development. The Lakers view this as essential for the team's long-term success. Redick understands that coaching is not just about strategy but also about nurturing talent and building a positive, productive environment. "The pursuit of greatness can't be miserable," Redick remarked. "Every day that somebody walks in this building, they have to enjoy it. I think part of being a coach, right, is, like, 'Can I maximize each player?' That helps maximize the group. And does everybody in the building, not just the players and staff, does everybody in the building enjoy coming to work every day? That's sort of on me to create that culture."
The Lakers' new direction is indeed a significant departure from the past, but the potential benefits could be invaluable. Redick's reliance on a data-driven approach reflects modern trends in basketball analytics, an approach encapsulated in his succinct declaration, "I'm going to use math." By putting a premium on 3-point shooting, enhancing offensive rebounds, and fostering a supportive team environment, Redick aims to create a blueprint for success that resonates with both players and fans.
The upcoming season will be a litmus test for this unconventional yet intriguing coaching appointment. With a blend of innovative ideas and the experience of his assistant coaches, Redick's tenure could mark a transformative chapter for the Lakers. However, as Jeanie Buss eloquently put it, the true measure of success will come with time and results on the court.