Historic Appointment for the Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have taken a significant step in reshaping their coaching staff by hiring Lindsey Harding as an assistant coach under JJ Redick's leadership. Harding's appointment marks a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to coach for the Lakers. This move signifies the Lakers' commitment to diversifying their coaching staff and embracing innovative perspectives.
A Trailblazing Career
Lindsey Harding's coaching career is nothing short of remarkable. Before joining the Lakers, Harding made a name for herself with the Stockton Kings, the Sacramento Kings’ G League affiliate, where she earned the prestigious G League Coach of the Year award last season. Under her leadership, the Stockton Kings secured the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and advanced to the semifinals of the G League playoffs. These accomplishments underscore her strategic prowess and ability to lead teams to success.
In 2019, Harding broke new ground as she was hired by the Sacramento Kings as an assistant coach. This role came after making history with the Philadelphia 76ers as the first black woman to hold a full-time scouting position in the NBA. Her multifaceted experience also includes serving as a player development coach with the 76ers, where her insights greatly benefited the team's growth.
Connecting with JJ Redick
Harding's journey with JJ Redick extends back to their college days at Duke University, where they both played from 2002 to 2006. Their paths crossed again in Philadelphia, where Redick played for the 76ers while Harding was a player development coach. This rekindled professional relationship is expected to bring a cohesive dynamic to the Lakers' coaching staff, blending their shared history and mutual respect.
A Stellar Playing Career
Before transitioning to coaching, Harding enjoyed an illustrious playing career. She was named Naismith Player of the Year in 2007 and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft. Harding played nine seasons in the WNBA across six different teams, demonstrating her versatility and endurance in professional basketball. Her playing career also included international stints, most notably in Turkey, further broadening her understanding of the game on a global scale.
After retiring from professional play in 2017, Harding seamlessly transitioned into coaching and development roles. She briefly served as the head coach of South Sudan's women's national team and is currently the head coach of Mexico's women's national team. These roles underscore her dedication to fostering talent and promoting basketball on the international stage.
Joining a Distinguished Group
Harding's presence in the NBA coaching ranks places her among a distinguished group of women actively coaching in the league, including Jenny Boucek of the Pacers, Brittni Donaldson of the Hawks, and Sonia Raman of the Grizzlies. These trailblazers are paving the way for future generations of women in basketball coaching.
Earlier this year, Harding was a candidate for the Charlotte Hornets' head coaching vacancy, highlighting her growing reputation in the coaching community. Although Charles Lee was ultimately chosen for the position, Harding's consideration for the role speaks volumes about her expertise and potential.
Redick's New Vision for the Lakers
With the Lakers coming off an early playoff exit last season, JJ Redick is assembling a coaching team comprising seasoned veterans and familiar faces to turn the team's fortunes around. Alongside Harding, Redick's staff includes renowned names like Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, and Greg St. Jean, aiming to fuse experience with fresh approaches to elevate the team's performance.
As the Lakers embark on this new chapter, Harding's appointment is a testament to the team's forward-thinking mindset and its dedication to excellence. Her extensive experience, both on and off the court, positions her as a transformative figure poised to make a significant impact on the Lakers and the broader NBA landscape.