Los Angeles Lakers Announce Coaching Staff Roster for 2024-25 Season
The Los Angeles Lakers have officially unveiled their complete coaching staff for the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season. In a move that has generated significant buzz, JJ Redick has been appointed as the new head coach. Redick, who retired in 2021 after an illustrious 15-year playing career, is stepping into his first head coaching role, carrying with him the same tenacity and basketball IQ that made him a household name on the court.
Joining Redick is an experienced cadre of assistant coaches, each bringing their unique strengths and experiences to the team. Notable among these is Nate McMillan, a seasoned veteran with over two decades of coaching experience. McMillan has had notable stints with four different franchises, most recently serving as the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks from 2021 to 2023. His wealth of knowledge and strategic acumen will be invaluable assets for the Lakers.
Scott Brooks, another key addition to the Lakers' bench, boasts an impressive resume. Having served as the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2008 to 2015, Brooks played a pivotal role in developing some of the league’s brightest stars. Before joining the Lakers, he was last seen as an assistant with the Portland Trail Blazers. His experience and proven track record in player development align perfectly with Redick’s vision for the team.
Making history, Lindsey Harding joins the staff as the first female coach in the franchise's history. Harding's impressive credentials include being named the G League Coach of the Year for her outstanding work with the Stockton Kings last season. Her pioneering role and proven coaching excellence will offer fresh perspectives and innovative strategies to the Lakers.
Further strengthening the coaching lineup, Bob Beyer and Greg St. Jean have signed on as assistant coaches. St. Jean, in particular, is well-known to Lakers fans; he was part of the player development team instrumental in their 2020 championship run. With these additions, the Lakers have assembled a diverse and skilled coaching cadre to guide them through the challenges of the new season.
Focusing on player development, Redick has emphasized the importance of this aspect of coaching, a sentiment echoed in his collaborative efforts with Beau Levesque, the player development coordinator. "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," underscoring Redick’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering growth within the team.
The revamped coaching staff comes in the wake of the Lakers’ early exit from the Western Conference playoffs last season. After securing the No. 7 seed through the Play-In Tournament, the Lakers were unable to advance past the Denver Nuggets, leading to the departure of former head coach Darvin Ham after two seasons at the helm. The organization's decision to bring in a fresh yet seasoned coaching team reflects a strategic pivot aimed at bouncing back stronger in the forthcoming season.
As the Lakers look towards the 2024-25 season, the blend of experienced coaching veterans and fresh faces promises a dynamic and strategic approach on both ends of the court. With Redick’s leadership and a focus on player development at its core, Lakers fans have much to look forward to as their team prepares to contend with the league's best.