The Los Angeles Lakers have unveiled the complete coaching staff for the upcoming 2024-25 season, marking a significant shift in the team's approach and strategies. At the forefront of these changes is the appointment of JJ Redick as the new head coach. This decision comes merely three years after Redick's retirement from a highly successful 15-year playing career, a move that has both surprised and excited fans and analysts alike.
JJ Redick's New Era
JJ Redick, renowned for his sharpshooting and basketball IQ as a player, aims to bring fresh energy and modern strategies to the Lakers' bench. His transition to a coaching role was anticipated, yet its timing has caught many off guard. Since his retirement in 2021, Redick has been involved in various media roles and has often expressed a keen interest in player development. This focus was highlighted when Redick mentioned, "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." Beau Levesque, the newly appointed player development coordinator, will play a crucial role in this vision.
Veteran Support
The supporting cast around Redick is nothing short of impressive, featuring a blend of extensive experience and expertise. Nate McMillan joins the Lakers as an assistant coach, bringing with him over two decades of coaching experience across four different franchises. Most recently, McMillan served as the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks from 2021 to 2023. His seasoned perspective will be invaluable to both Redick and the players, providing a steady hand and tactical wisdom.
Another noteworthy addition is Scott Brooks, also an assistant coach. Brooks' coaching career includes a notable tenure as the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2008 to 2015, where he led the team to multiple deep playoff runs. Prior to joining the Lakers, Brooks was an assistant for the Portland Trail Blazers, and his vast experience will bolster the coaching staff.
Trailblazing Inclusion
Lindsey Harding's appointment as an assistant coach marks a historic moment for the Lakers, as she becomes the first female coach in the franchise's history. Harding's recent accolade as the G League Coach of the Year for her exceptional work with the Stockton Kings underscores her coaching acumen. Her inclusion signals the Lakers' commitment to diversity and excellence in their coaching ranks.
Rounding out the assistant coaching team are Bob Beyer and Greg St. Jean. St. Jean's familiarity with the Lakers' system is noteworthy, having been part of the player development team during their 2020 championship run. His promotion to assistant coach reflects his valuable contributions and deep understanding of the team's dynamics.
New Beginnings
The restructuring of the coaching staff comes on the heels of a challenging season for the Lakers. Despite securing the No. 7 seed through the Play-In Tournament last season, the Lakers exited in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, unable to advance past the Denver Nuggets. The team then parted ways with former head coach Darvin Ham after two seasons, paving the way for this new coaching era under Redick.
As the Lakers gear up for the 2024-25 season, the blend of fresh ideas from Redick and the seasoned expertise of his assistants presents a promising outlook. The collaborative efforts between Redick and his coaching team, especially with a focus on player development spearheaded by Beau Levesque, indicate a strategic shift aimed at both immediate success and long-term growth.
The Lakers' faithful will be keenly watching how this new ensemble leverages their collective experience to reclaim their position as a powerhouse in the Western Conference. With Redick at the helm, backed by a robust and diverse coaching staff, the Lakers are poised to embark on an intriguing and potentially triumphant journey.