The Los Angeles Lakers have made a bold move this summer by completely overhauling their coaching staff, signaling a new direction for the storied franchise. In a surprising decision, the Lakers have named former NBA player JJ Redick as their new head coach, replacing Darvin Ham. Despite Redick's lack of prior coaching experience, the transition from a celebrated playing career and a promising stint in sports media to the coaching realm presents an intriguing narrative for the upcoming season.
A Vision for Change
Jeanie Buss, the Lakers' president, emphasized the desire for a fresh perspective when selecting Redick as the head coach. "We wanted to kind of think a different way. Really, he's got a vision. I'm not comfortable talking about the basketball stuff, but we were looking for a candidate that would bring something different and really invest in developing young players. JJ is the right person for us," Buss explained. She added that the organization must give Redick time to establish his approach, stating, "Again, I just want to work to really speak for itself, so I don't want to hype it and say it's gonna be a home run. We have to give him time to establish what he wants to establish."
Experienced Support
While Redick steps into his first coaching role, he will not be navigating this new terrain alone. The Lakers have assembled a seasoned coaching staff to support him, including veteran assistants Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding. Buss expressed her confidence in the group, noting, "I'm really impressed with his staff. Right now, it's not mandatory for the players to come in and practice, but players are coming in and working out. The coaching staff with Nate McMillan and Scotty Brooks, there's a lot of experience that will be there for him to make that adjustment to being a head coach. Certainly, a 12-year career in the league, he's got a lot of experience. He knows what this league is about, and I think he'll be a great leader."
Strategic Shifts
Under Ham, the Lakers experienced mixed results, finishing last season fourth in post-up possessions per game (7.3) but struggling in other areas. The team was 28th in 3-point attempts per game (31.4), 29th in offensive rebounding rate (24.4), and 15th in offensive rating (115.4). Redick has already outlined his approach to addressing these deficiencies. He plans to increase the team's 3-point attempts and improve offensive rebounding, aiming to create a more dynamic and efficient offense. Redick also emphasized a commitment to running more organized offensive sets, signaling a shift in strategy that could pay dividends on the court.
Building a Positive Culture
Beyond the X’s and O’s of basketball, Redick places significant importance on creating a positive team culture. He aims to make every day enjoyable for everyone involved with the team. "The pursuit of greatness can't be miserable. Every day that somebody walks in this building, they have to enjoy it. I think part of being a coach, right, is, like, 'Can I maximize each player?' That helps maximize the group. And does everybody in the building, not just the players and staff, does everybody in the building enjoy coming to work every day? That's sort of on me to create that culture," Redick stated.
Redick's approach to his role is also influenced by a systematic, data-driven mindset. Summing up his philosophy succinctly, he stated, "I'm going to use math." This approach ties into modern basketball's trend toward analytics-driven decision-making, which could lead to innovative strategies and on-court adjustments for the Lakers.
Player Development as a Cornerstone
One of the central tenets of Redick's coaching ethos is a robust focus on player development. Ensuring that young players grow and thrive under his leadership is a priority that aligns with Buss's vision for the team's future. Redick's experience as a player, combined with his recent work in sports media, equips him with a unique perspective on how to relate to and coach today's NBA athletes. This fresh viewpoint could be instrumental in molding the Lakers' younger talents into formidable contributors.
The Lakers' overhaul of their coaching staff, headlined by the appointment of Redick, represents both a significant risk and a potential game-changer for the franchise. With a vision centered on player development, a modernized approach to offense, and a commitment to cultivating an enjoyable team atmosphere, Redick's impact on the Lakers will be closely watched in the coming season. The support of experienced assistants and a clear strategic direction suggest that this bold experiment has the potential to pay off, heralding a new era of Lakers basketball.