Los Angeles Lakers Overhaul Coaching Staff: Welcoming JJ Redick at the Helm
In a bold and unexpected move, the Los Angeles Lakers have made sweeping changes to their coaching staff this summer. The franchise, under the leadership of president Jeanie Buss, has decided to replace veteran coach Darvin Ham with JJ Redick as the new head coach. This decision marks a significant shift for the Lakers, as Redick steps into his first coaching role after an illustrious playing career and a promising stint in sports media.
Redick’s appointment comes with its fair share of risks. He has no prior coaching experience, a factor that has raised many eyebrows around the league. However, Buss expressed confidence in Redick’s vision and his potential to bring something different to the table. “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 stated. She added that it will take time for Redick to establish what he wants to, but she believes in his long-term plan.
Redick is not stepping into this challenge alone. The Lakers have assembled a robust team of assistant coaches to support him, including veteran assistants like Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding. Their wealth of experience is expected to facilitate Redick’s transition from player to head coach. As Buss highlighted, “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.”
During Ham’s tenure, the Lakers had mixed results. They were fourth in the league in post-up possessions per game (7.3) but lagged considerably in other key areas. The team ranked 28th in 3-point attempts per game (31.4) and 29th in offensive rebounding rate (24.4), with an offensive rating of 115.4, placing them 15th in the league. These stats underscore the areas where Redick aims to make immediate improvements.
Redick has already outlined his strategic priorities, which include increasing the team's 3-point attempts, improving offensive rebounding, and running more organized offensive sets. He believes in the power of mathematics and analytics in informing the modern game, stating succinctly, "I'm going to use math." This scientific approach could help the Lakers exploit inefficiencies and gain a competitive edge.
Beyond tactical adjustments, Redick places a high value on player development and fostering a positive team culture. He intends to make player development a cornerstone of his coaching ethos, a move likely to resonate well with younger athletes and veterans alike. Redick noted, “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 pressure is on Redick to translate his vision into tangible success. While his leadership style and fresh perspective bring hope, the real test will come once the games begin. For now, the focus is on building chemistry, honing skills, and laying the groundwork for what they hope will be a championship-contending team.
The coming months will be critical as Redick and his staff implement their strategies and foster an environment where the Lakers can thrive. With veteran expertise backing him and a clear set of goals in mind, Redick is poised to embark on what could be an exciting new chapter in Lakers' history.