The Los Angeles Lakers have unveiled their complete coaching staff roster for the 2024-25 season, marking a significant shift in the franchise's direction. Highlighting this transformation is the appointment of JJ Redick as the new head coach.
Redick, who retired in 2021 after an illustrious 15-year playing career, takes the helm with a clear vision for player development. "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 statement from the Lakers organization revealed. Beau Levesque, the new player development coordinator, will play a pivotal role in realizing Redick's ambitions.
Experienced Veterans Join the Bench
Supporting Redick is a cadre of seasoned professionals. Nate McMillan, boasting over two decades of coaching experience, joins as an assistant coach. McMillan's extensive resume includes coaching roles across four different franchises, most recently serving as the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks from 2021 to 2023. His veteran presence is expected to bring stability and a wealth of knowledge to the Lakers bench.
Scott Brooks, another respected figure in the coaching world, also joins as an assistant coach. Brooks, well-known for his tenure as the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2008 to 2015, was last seen as an assistant for the Portland Trail Blazers. His strategic acumen and experience will be invaluable assets to Redick's coaching strategy.
Breaking New Ground
Making history with the Lakers is Lindsey Harding, the first female coach in the franchise's storied history. Harding, who was honored as the G League Coach of the Year for her work with the Stockton Kings last season, brings a fresh and dynamic approach to the coaching staff. Her groundbreaking appointment is a testament to the Lakers' commitment to diversity and innovation.
Rounding out the assistant coaching team is Bob Beyer, known for his tactical insights, and Greg St. Jean, who was a part of the Lakers' player development team during their 2020 championship run. Their combined expertise enhances a bench already rich in experience and knowledge.
Reflecting on a Turbulent Season
The Lakers' coaching shake-up comes on the heels of a challenging season where they secured the No. 7 seed through the Play-In Tournament but were unable to advance past the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference playoffs. This early exit led to parting ways with former head coach Darvin Ham after a brief two-season stint. The franchise's early playoff departure underscored the need for a fresh approach and renewed focus on developing young talent. The coaching overhaul signals a new direction dedicated to harnessing and maximizing the potential of their roster.
With the new coaching staff in place, the Lakers are poised to enter the 2024-25 season with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. The blend of experienced coaches and fresh faces promises a dynamic and innovative approach to both player development and game strategy.
The upcoming season will undoubtedly test the cohesion and vision of this newly assembled coaching team. However, with JJ Redick at the helm and a strong support system in place, the Lakers are committed to forging a path back to championship contention.