On Monday, the Los Angeles Lakers unveiled their complete coaching roster for the 2024-25 season, leading with the notable appointment of JJ Redick as the new head coach. Redick, who enjoyed a stellar 15-year playing career before hanging up his sneakers in 2021, transitions to the helm of one of the NBA's most storied franchises.
Redick Takes the Reins
JJ Redick's playing days may be over, but his involvement in basketball continues with a significant new chapter. Having retired from professional basketball just two years ago, Redick steps into the head coaching role with a fresh perspective and a history of on-court excellence. Known for his sharp shooting and high basketball IQ, Redick is expected to bring a modern touch to the Lakers' strategy.
Redick has made it clear that player development will be a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy. "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," a Lakers insider shared. Beau Levesque, the team's player development coordinator, will play a crucial role in this initiative.
A Wealth of Experience on the Bench
Joining Redick is a diverse and seasoned group of assistant coaches, each bringing unique expertise to the Lakers’ bench. Nate McMillan, who has over two decades of coaching experience across four different franchises, is among the notable names. McMillan most recently held the head coaching role for the Atlanta Hawks from 2021 to 2023. His extensive background and defensive strategies are anticipated to be invaluable assets for the team.
Another prominent figure is Scott Brooks, famous for his tenure as the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2008 to 2015. Brooks later served as an assistant coach for the Portland Trail Blazers before making his way to the Lakers. His experience in developing young talent and tactical acumen will be essential in shaping the Lakers’ gameplay.
Breaking new ground is Lindsey Harding, the first female coach in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. Harding comes with an impressive pedigree, having been named G League Coach of the Year for her outstanding work with the Stockton Kings last season. Her appointment signifies not only progress in gender diversity within the league but also brings a recognized tactician to the Lakers’ coaching ranks.
Supporting them is Bob Beyer, a coaching veteran who has seen various roles across the NBA, and Greg St. Jean, who was part of the Lakers' player development team during their championship run in 2020. With St. Jean’s familiarity with the organization's players and internal structure, his role will be pivotal in ensuring a seamless transition as the team navigates the new season.
Challenges and Aspirations
The Lakers face significant challenges as they gear up for the new season. Last season, they exited in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, securing the No. 7 seed through the Play-In Tournament but ultimately failing to advance past the Denver Nuggets. The departure of former head coach Darvin Ham after two seasons marked the end of an era and the beginning of Redick's new leadership.
The Lakers' roster and coaching team are now poised to address the shortcomings of the previous season. With Redick emphasizing player development and the wealth of experience surrounding him, the franchise hopes to turn a new leaf.
As the Lakers look ahead to the 2024-25 season, the blend of new ideas and proven strategies from an experienced and diverse coaching staff aims to reignite the team's competitive edge. Lakers' fans and the broader NBA community will be keenly watching how this new chapter unfolds under JJ Redick’s leadership.