Los Angeles Lakers Announce New Coaching Staff for 2024-25 Season
The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, have officially announced their complete coaching staff for the upcoming 2024-25 season. This announcement comes with notable changes and fresh faces, signaling a new era for the team as it aims to regain its position as a championship contender.
JJ Redick Named Head Coach
Headlining the new additions is JJ Redick, the former NBA sharpshooter, who takes the helm as the Lakers' head coach. Redick, who enjoyed a 15-year playing career before retiring in 2021, brings a modern perspective to the leadership role. This appointment marks his first major coaching assignment, a decision that is bound to attract attention and build intrigue among fans and league analysts alike.
Redick has openly expressed his intention to prioritize player development during his tenure. “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,” indicating a collaborative approach within the coaching staff.
Experienced Assistants Join the Bench
Alongside Redick, the Lakers have assembled a seasoned group of assistant coaches, bringing a wealth of experience and diverse expertise to the team.
Nate McMillan, who boasts over two decades of coaching experience across four different franchises, joins the Lakers as an assistant coach. McMillan most recently served as the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks from 2021 to 2023. His extensive background will provide a steady hand and strategic insight to support Redick in navigating the challenges of an NBA season.
Scott Brooks, another experienced figure, will also serve as an assistant coach. Brooks gained recognition as the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2008 to 2015, and he was last seen as an assistant with the Portland Trail Blazers. Brooks’ track record of developing young talent and his strategic acumen will be instrumental for the Lakers.
Lindsey Harding makes history by becoming the first female coach in the franchise's history. Harding was named G League Coach of the Year for her impressive work with the Stockton Kings last season. Her appointment underscores the Lakers' commitment to diversity and innovation within their coaching ranks.
Adding to the robust staff are Bob Beyer and Greg St. Jean, both named assistant coaches for the upcoming season. St. Jean brings continuity, having been part of the Lakers' player development team during their triumphant 2020 championship run. His familiarity with the organization's culture and expectations will be valuable in maintaining a seamless transition.
Beau Levesque steps into the role of player development coordinator, a position central to Redick’s vision. Levesque's involvement signals a concerted effort to enhance the development of players, particularly the younger talent, aligning with Redick’s strategic priorities.
Reflecting on Last Season
The Lakers are entering this season with high hopes after a challenging end to their previous campaign. The team exited in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs last season, unable to overcome the Denver Nuggets. Despite securing the No. 7 seed through the Play-In Tournament, they fell short of advancing further in the postseason.
The departure of former head coach Darvin Ham, after two seasons at the helm, paved the way for these significant changes. The Lakers' management is clearly intent on restructuring the coaching framework to foster a more competitive and cohesive unit going forward.
Final Thoughts
This revamped coaching staff, led by a promising new head coach and bolstered by experienced assistants, reflects the Los Angeles Lakers' strategic intent to blend innovation with experience. With a focus on player development and a diverse set of skills among the coaching personnel, the Lakers are gearing up to make a significant impact in the upcoming NBA season.