In a bold, transformative move, the Los Angeles Lakers have completely revamped their coaching staff this summer, signaling a new direction for one of the NBA's most storied franchises. The Lakers decided to replace Darvin Ham with JJ Redick as the head coach. Despite Redick's lack of prior coaching experience, the organization is placing their trust in his vision and approach to the game.
Redick’s Unconventional Path
JJ Redick transitions to coaching after a celebrated playing career and a promising stint in sports media. His journey to the sidelines is unconventional—going from hitting precision 3-pointers on the court to dissecting games behind a microphone, and now to leading a team from the bench.
Jeanie Buss, the Lakers' president, explained the decision to hire Redick during an appearance on a local Los Angeles radio show. "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 shared candidly. "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."
An Experienced Supporting Staff
Joining Redick on the bench are veteran assistants Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding. The new coaching staff brings a blend of seasoned experience and fresh perspectives, poised to help Redick navigate the transition from media to management. "I'm really impressed with his staff," Buss mentioned. "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."
A New Basketball Philosophy
Redick’s analytical approach to the game marks a significant shift from the previous strategies employed by Ham. Under Ham, the Lakers were fourth in post-up possessions per game last season (7.3), 28th in 3-point attempts (31.4), 29th in offensive rebounding rate (24.4), and finished 15th in offensive rating (115.4). In contrast, Redick plans to leverage data and analytics to shape the Lakers' playstyle. "I'm going to use math," Redick stated simply but confidently.
He aims to increase the team's 3-point attempts, improve offensive rebounding, and run more organized offensive sets. Player development will also be a cornerstone of his coaching ethos, as he believes that maximizing individual potential will enhance the collective performance. "The pursuit of greatness can't be miserable," Redick explained, emphasizing the importance of a positive team culture. "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."
The Future Vision
The Lakers’ trust in Redick is underscored by their belief that he can lead the team both now and into the future, even after LeBron James' eventual retirement. The organization, along with Redick, has a clear vision for the team moving forward, focused on sustainability and long-term success. The arrival of Redick and his veteran assistants signals not just a change in personnel but a transformative shift in philosophy for the Lakers, seeking to blend traditional experience with innovative thinking.
As training camps open and pre-season games begin, all eyes will be on JJ Redick and the new-look Lakers. Success in the high-stakes environment of Los Angeles won't come easy, but if Redick's track record as a player and analyst are any indication, he is ready to rise to the challenge and potentially breathe new life into the Lakers' championship aspirations.