A Rejuvenated Look: Los Angeles Lakers Overhaul Coaching Staff
The Los Angeles Lakers have undertaken a transformative shift this summer by completely revamping their coaching staff, signaling a new direction for the historic franchise. Spearheading this overhaul is the appointment of JJ Redick as the new head coach, a bold choice given Redick’s absence of prior coaching experience.
Redick, a former NBA player known for his sharp shooting and high basketball IQ, transitions into this role following a celebrated playing career combined with a promising stint in sports media. The Lakers’ decision replaces Darvin Ham with Redick, aiming to bring fresh perspectives and methodologies to their playbook.
Jeanie Buss, the Lakers' president, offered insights into the rationale behind this unconventional move. "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. "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."
Alongside Redick, the coaching bench will feature seasoned veterans Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding, bringing a wealth of experience and strategic know-how. Buss expressed confidence in Redick's support system, emphasizing the significant role of experienced staff in ensuring a smooth transition for the rookie head coach. "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," she noted. "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."
Redick's vision for the Lakers marks a distinct shift from the strategies employed under Ham. Under Ham's leadership, the Lakers ranked fourth in post-up possessions per game (7.3) but lagged significantly in modern offensive metrics, securing the 28th spot in 3-point attempts per game (31.4) and placing 29th in offensive rebounding rate (24.4). They finished 15th in offensive rating (115.4).
Redick plans to recalibrate these aspects by increasing the team's 3-point attempts and bolstering their offensive rebounding efforts. Bringing a data-driven approach, Redick succinctly summarized his game plan, "I'm going to use math." This analytical mindset is expected to guide his strategic decisions, aligning the Lakers with the league’s trending reliance on three-point shooting and advanced metrics.
Moreover, Redick’s coaching philosophy emphasizes structured offensive sets and a strong focus on player development, ensuring that each player is optimized to their full potential. He articulated his broader vision, revealing a commitment to building a positive team culture: "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."
As the Lakers prepare for the upcoming season, the organization and its fanbase are eager to see how Redick’s leadership and innovative approaches will manifest on the court. Widely respected for his basketball intelligence and dedication, Redick’s transition from player to head coach is highly anticipated. With veteran assistants at his side and a clear vision for the future, the Lakers are poised to navigate this new chapter with renewed optimism.
Time will tell how these changes will reshape the Lakers' fortunes, but one thing is clear: the franchise is committed to thinking differently and investing in a future where analytics, player development, and a positive culture sit at the forefront.