The Los Angeles Lakers have announced their full coaching staff roster for the 2024-25 season, and several prominent figures are stepping into pivotal roles. Heading up the new-look bench is JJ Redick, a fresh but promising face in the coaching ranks. Redick takes the reins as the head coach after retiring from a distinguished 15-year playing career in 2021.
Redick's new position marks a significant shift in his basketball journey, transitioning from sharpshooter to tactician. He 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." With Beau Levesque as the player development coordinator, the Lakers aim to cultivate young talent and enhance the skills of their roster under Redick's watchful eye.
Veteran Experience Bolsters Coaching Staff
The Lakers have surrounded their rookie head coach with seasoned basketball minds. Nate McMillan, who brings over two decades of coaching experience, joins the staff as an assistant coach. McMillan's extensive resume includes stints with four different franchises, most recently serving as head coach of the Atlanta Hawks from 2021 to 2023.
Complementing McMillan's appointment is Scott Brooks, another veteran of the sidelines. Brooks, the former head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2008 to 2015, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Before joining the Lakers, he was last seen as an assistant coach with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Historical Appointment
In a groundbreaking move, Lindsey Harding joins the Lakers as an assistant coach, becoming the first female coach in the franchise's storied history. Harding's rise in the coaching world has been marked by significant achievements, including being named G League Coach of the Year for her outstanding work with the Stockton Kings last season. Her presence on the coaching staff symbolizes a progressive step for the Lakers and the broader basketball community.
Additional Coaching Contributions
Bob Beyer and Greg St. Jean round out the assistant coaching team. St. Jean is familiar with the Lakers organization, having been part of the player development team during their 2020 championship run. His continued involvement will be crucial as the team seeks to replicate past successes.
The Lakers' coaching overhaul comes on the heels of a lackluster playoff performance last season. The team exited in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, despite securing the No. 7 seed through the Play-In Tournament. Their playoff run ended at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, prompting significant changes within the coaching staff, including parting ways with former head coach Darvin Ham after two seasons.
As the Lakers prepare for the upcoming season, the blend of new and familiar faces on the coaching staff aims to reinvigorate the team’s prospects. With JJ Redick at the helm, supported by a cadre of experienced assistants, the Lakers are positioning themselves for a fresh approach and a potential resurgence in the highly competitive Western Conference.