Los Angeles Lakers Overhaul Coaching Staff: Redick Takes Helm
The Los Angeles Lakers have embarked on a new journey, completely revamping their coaching staff this summer. In a bold and surprising move, the Lakers have appointed JJ Redick as their new head coach, replacing Darvin Ham.
Redick, noted for his illustrious playing career and a promising stint in sports media, steps into this role without prior coaching experience. However, Jeanie Buss, the Lakers' president, expressed confidence in Redick's vision. "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. 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," she said.
Joining Redick on the bench are veteran assistants Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding. These seasoned professionals bring a wealth of experience to support Redick in his new role. Buss praised the new coaching team, stating, "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. 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."
Under Darvin Ham, the Lakers had mixed results. They were notably efficient in post-up possessions, ranking fourth in the league with 7.3 per game last season. However, they struggled with their long-range shooting and rebounding, finishing 28th in 3-point attempts per game (31.4) and 29th in offensive rebounding rate (24.4). Their offense landed them in the middle of the pack, with a 15th-place finish in offensive rating at 115.4.
Redick is aware of these challenges and has clear goals to address them. "I'm going to use math," Redick remarked, suggesting a more analytical approach to the game. He plans to increase the Lakers' 3-point attempts and improve their offensive rebounding, while also implementing more organized offensive sets. These changes aim not only to elevate the team’s performance but also to refine player development, a cornerstone of Redick's coaching ethos.
Creating a positive team culture is another priority for Redick. With an eye on the holistic development of his players and staff, he emphasized the importance of a supportive environment. "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," Redick explained.
The coming season will be a critical test for Redick and his coaching staff. The roster's response to this new direction will be pivotal to the Lakers' success. Redick’s ability to translate his playing experience and media insights into effective coaching strategies will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
While the transition to a coaching role is always a gamble, the Lakers' strategic hire of Redick is a testament to their commitment to innovation and growth. With the combined expertise of Redick, Brooks, McMillan, and Harding, the Lakers are poised to undertake an exciting new chapter. As the season approaches, the spotlight will be firmly on Redick to see if he can turn his vision into victory.