Los Angeles Lakers Make Groundbreaking Hire
In a historic move, the Los Angeles Lakers have appointed Lindsey Harding to serve as an assistant coach on JJ Redick's staff. Harding's hiring is a milestone for the storied franchise, as she becomes the first woman to hold a coaching position with the Lakers. This significant step forward underscores the increasing presence and influence of women in the NBA coaching ranks.
Joining a growing roster of female coaches in the league, Harding stands alongside other trailblazers such as Jenny Boucek of the Indiana Pacers, Brittni Donaldson with the Atlanta Hawks, and Sonia Raman of the Memphis Grizzlies. Each of these coaches brings a unique perspective and invaluable experience to their respective teams, continuing the push for greater gender diversity within the sport.
Harding's coaching résumé is impressive, having previously led the Stockton Kings, the G League affiliate of the Sacramento Kings, where she garnered the G League Coach of the Year honors last season. Under her guidance, the Stockton Kings achieved the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and made a deep playoff run, reaching the semifinals. This accomplishment alone speaks volumes about her capabilities and potential to impact the Lakers' coaching staff positively.
Her NBA coaching journey began in 2019 when she was hired as an assistant coach by the Sacramento Kings. Prior to that, Harding broke barriers as the first Black woman to serve as a full-time scout in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers. Her role in Philadelphia extended beyond scouting, as she also contributed as a player development coach. During her tenure with the 76ers, Harding's paths crossed with that of JJ Redick, laying the foundation for their professional relationship that has now culminated in her joining his coaching staff in Los Angeles.
Before transitioning to her successful coaching career, Harding was a standout player. She was named the Naismith Player of the Year in 2007 and was the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft that same year. Throughout her nine seasons in the WNBA, Harding played for six different teams, and her basketball journey took her overseas, most notably to Turkey. She retired from playing in 2017 and seamlessly moved into coaching and development roles.
Beyond the NBA, Harding has expanded her coaching repertoire with international stints. She served briefly as the head coach for South Sudan's women's national team and is currently leading Mexico's women's national team. Her global experience, coupled with her proven track record in the G League, made her a candidate for the Charlotte Hornets' head coaching vacancy earlier this year—a role ultimately filled by Charles Lee.
The Lakers are coming off a season marked by an early playoff exit and are clearly aiming to strengthen their coaching staff by bringing in experienced and familiar faces. Alongside Harding, Redick is bolstering his team with seasoned veterans like Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, and Greg St. Jean. This blend of experience and fresh perspectives could be pivotal for the Lakers as they prepare for the upcoming season.
As the Lakers look to improve and advance further in the playoffs, Harding's inclusion in the coaching staff signifies a promising step towards not only enhancing team dynamics but also fostering an inclusive environment. Her diverse experiences and award-winning coaching abilities position her as a significant asset to the Lakers' ambitions.
All eyes will be on how this revamped coaching team will influence the Lakers' performance in the upcoming season, and Harding's historic hiring sets a positive precedent for future initiatives aimed at amplifying diversity and inclusivity within the NBA’s coaching ranks.