Los Angeles Lakers Announce Coaching Staff for 2024-25 Season
The Los Angeles Lakers have rolled out their complete coaching staff roster for the upcoming 2024-25 season, spotlighting some prominent names and new faces. Former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick has been named the new head coach, taking the helm from Darvin Ham, who was with the team for two seasons. Redick, who retired in 2021 after a distinguished 15-year playing career, now embarks on his first high-profile coaching position.
Redick’s Vision for the Future
Redick has publicly expressed his commitment to player development throughout his tenure. "Redick has noted that he wants player development to be a key focus of his tenure," an insider revealed, "and Levesque will be at the center of that mission." Beau Levesque, the team's newly appointed player development coordinator, will play a pivotal role in aligning with Redick’s vision.
Experienced Assistants Join the Ranks
Joining Redick are a mix of new and seasoned assistant coaches who bring a wealth of experience to the Lakers' bench. Notably, Nate McMillan, who has over two decades of coaching experience across four different franchises, will serve as an assistant coach. McMillan was most recently the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks from 2021 to 2023, bringing a deep well of strategic knowledge to the staff.
Scott Brooks, another highly respected name in the NBA coaching circle, has also been appointed as an assistant coach. Brooks was the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2008 to 2015 and most recently served as an assistant with the Portland Trail Blazers. His extensive coaching background is expected to be a valuable asset to Redick and the Lakers.
Lindsey Harding marks a historic milestone as the first female coach in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. Harding, who was lauded as the G League Coach of the Year for her exceptional work with the Stockton Kings last season, is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to the coaching staff.
The coaching team is further bolstered by the inclusion of Bob Beyer and Greg St. Jean. St. Jean, particularly noted for his involvement in the Lakers’ 2020 championship run as part of the player development team, returns with a refined focus on furthering the players' growth and performance.
The Challenges Ahead
The Lakers, who exited in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs last season, faced a rocky path despite securing the No. 7 seed through the Play-In Tournament. Their playoff journey ended at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, leaving both fans and analysts looking for significant improvements in the upcoming season.
With the departures of some staff members and the inclusion of experienced coaches like McMillan, Brooks, and Harding, the Lakers’ strategy and execution are expected to undergo noteworthy transformations. The Lakers are counting on this diverse and experienced coaching staff to possibly navigate them deeper into the playoffs and potentially contend for the championship once more.
Redick’s First Steps
As Redick steps into his new role, he is essentially tasked with balancing the integration of his coaching philosophy with leveraging the rich experience of his assistant coaches. This dynamic approach has the potential to foster a rejuvenated Lakers team that focuses heavily on player development and strategic execution.
Only time will tell how this new era for the Los Angeles Lakers will unfold under the guidance of JJ Redick and his distinguished coaching staff. However, the appointments hint at a refreshing shift in direction, aiming to rebuild a team that not only competes but thrives under pressure.