Lakers Break New Ground with Lindsey Harding's Historic Hiring
The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant stride towards inclusivity with the hiring of Lindsey Harding as an assistant coach for JJ Redick's staff. This move marks Harding as the first woman to coach for the storied franchise, setting a historic precedent. Harding's addition to the staff not only signals progress for the Lakers but also adds a wealth of experience and expertise to the team.
From G League Success to NBA Bench
Harding's impressive coaching resume includes a recent stint with the Stockton Kings, the Sacramento Kings' G League affiliate. Under her leadership, the Stockton Kings clinched the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and reached the semifinals of the G League playoffs. Her efforts did not go unnoticed as she was named G League Coach of the Year last season.
Before her success in the G League, Harding was hired as an assistant coach by the Sacramento Kings in 2019. Her groundbreaking journey in the NBA began with the Philadelphia 76ers, where she became the first black woman to hold a full-time scouting position. She also contributed as a player development coach, bringing invaluable insights and strategies to the team.
Storied Playing Career
Harding's coaching prowess is backed by an illustrious playing career. A standout at Duke University, Harding played alongside JJ Redick from 2002 to 2006. Her collegiate career culminated in being named Naismith Player of the Year in 2007. That same year, she was the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft, embarking on a nine-season career across six different teams in the league. Harding also showcased her talents internationally, most notably in Turkey, before retiring in 2017 and transitioning to coaching and development roles.
International Coaching and WNBA Experience
Beyond her NBA and G League roles, Harding has garnered coaching experience on an international level. She briefly served as the head coach of South Sudan's women's national team and is currently the head coach of Mexico's women's national team. These roles have allowed Harding to refine her coaching philosophy and adapt to various basketball cultures and styles.
Familiar Faces on JJ Redick's Staff
In building his staff, JJ Redick is drawing from a pool of seasoned veterans and familiar faces. This includes notable names such as Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, and Greg St. Jean. Redick's connection with Harding dates back to their days at Duke and was rekindled when Redick played for the 76ers and Harding served as a player development coach. This existing rapport could prove beneficial as they work together to improve the Lakers' fortunes.
Challenges Ahead
The Lakers are looking to rebound from an early playoff exit last season. The addition of Harding, along with other experienced coaches on Redick's staff, aims to revitalize the team's strategy and performance. While the team faces significant challenges, Harding's track record of success and her ability to break barriers inspire optimism for the future of the Lakers.
It's an exciting time for the Lakers and the NBA as a whole. With Harding joining the ranks of Jenny Boucek (Pacers), Brittni Donaldson (Hawks), and Sonia Raman (Grizzlies), the league is steadily progressing towards greater diversity and inclusion in coaching roles. Harding's journey is a testament to perseverance and breaking new ground in a domain historically dominated by men.
The Lakers' fans and the broader NBA community will undoubtedly be watching closely as Harding brings her unique blend of experience, insight, and leadership to the court. The stage is set for a new chapter in Lakers history, spearheaded by a trailblazing coach who continues to defy expectations and pave the way for future generations.