Los Angeles Lakers Announce Coaching Staff for 2024-25 Season
The Los Angeles Lakers unveiled their complete coaching staff for the 2024-25 season on Monday, spotlighting several new additions and bringing experienced names to the forefront. The move underscores the franchise's commitment to revitalizing its lineup and fine-tuning its player development strategy as they aim for a more successful postseason run.
JJ Redick Takes the Helm
Heading the coaching staff is JJ Redick, who transitions into his new role as the Lakers’ head coach. Redick, an NBA veteran who retired in 2021 after a 15-year playing career, has expressed a clear vision for the team. "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 his collaborative efforts with Beau Levesque, the player development coordinator. Their partnership aims to cultivate and maximize the potential of the Lakers’ roster.
Veteran Experience on the Bench
Assisting Redick will be a lineup of seasoned coaches, each bringing a wealth of experience from various franchises. Nate McMillan joins as an assistant coach, bringing over two decades of coaching expertise. McMillan has previously served as the head coach for the Atlanta Hawks from 2021 to 2023 and has contributed to four different franchises over the course of his career. His strategic acumen and leadership will be crucial in shaping the team’s dynamics.
Another key addition is Scott Brooks, who bolsters the assistant coaching ranks. Brooks is known for his tenure as the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2008 to 2015 and was most recently an assistant coach for the Portland Trail Blazers. His comprehensive understanding of the game and experience in developing young talent align perfectly with the Lakers' strategic direction under Redick.
Breaking New Ground
An historic appointment is Lindsey Harding, the first female coach in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. Harding, who was named G League Coach of the Year for her exemplary work with the Stockton Kings last season, brings fresh perspectives and innovative coaching techniques. Her presence marks a significant step forward in the franchise's evolution and commitment to diversity and inclusion in coaching roles.
Supporting Cast
Also joining the assistant coaching team are Bob Beyer and Greg St. Jean. Beyer’s extensive background in coaching adds depth to the staff, while St. Jean, who was part of the Lakers’ player development team during their 2020 championship run, brings continuity and an intimate understanding of the organization’s culture and player dynamics.
The player development coordination will be overseen by Beau Levesque, who is poised to be a central figure in Redick’s strategy. Levesque’s role is pivotal, as he collaborates closely with Redick to enhance the skill sets of both new and experienced players.
Challenges and Prospects
The Lakers enter the 2024-25 season with the aim of overcoming their recent playoff hurdles. Last season, despite securing the No. 7 seed through the Play-In Tournament, they were unable to progress past the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, prompting significant changes in the coaching staff. The departure of former head coach Darvin Ham after two seasons opened the door for new leadership and direction.
The restructuring of the coaching staff signals a renewed focus on player development and strategic gameplay. With an amalgamation of experienced coaches and fresh perspectives, the Lakers are setting the stage for what they hope will be a more successful campaign. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes translate on the court as the season progresses.