Lakers Break New Ground by Hiring Lindsey Harding as Assistant Coach
In a historic move, the Los Angeles Lakers have appointed Lindsey Harding as an assistant coach under JJ Redick's staff. This marks a significant milestone as Harding becomes the first woman to coach for the Lakers, joining a growing list of women making strides in the NBA such as Jenny Boucek of the Pacers, Brittni Donaldson of the Hawks, and Sonia Raman of the Grizzlies.
Harding's coaching journey began after her impressive career as a player. She was a standout at Duke University, where she crossed paths with Redick from 2002 to 2006. Harding’s stellar performances earned her the Naismith Player of the Year award in 2007 and she was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft.
Over nine seasons in the WNBA, Harding played for six different teams before extending her career internationally, notably in Turkey. After retiring in 2017, she quickly transitioned into coaching and player development roles. Her first significant step into the NBA coaching scene was with the Philadelphia 76ers, where she broke new ground as the first black woman to hold a full-time scouting position and also served as a player development coach.
Harding’s coaching acumen continued to flourish 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 made a deep playoff run, reaching the semifinals. Her efforts did not go unnoticed, as she was named G League Coach of the Year last season.
In 2019, Harding joined the Sacramento Kings as an assistant coach, further solidifying her presence in the NBA. Her coaching journey also saw her briefly leading South Sudan's women's national team and currently serving as the head coach of Mexico's women's national team.
Despite her accomplishments, Harding faced challenges in her coaching career. Earlier this year, she was a candidate for the Charlotte Hornets' head coaching vacancy. Although she was not selected, with Charles Lee ultimately securing the position, her candidacy underscored the growing recognition of her coaching capabilities.
Harding’s appointment to the Lakers comes at a crucial time for the franchise. After an early playoff exit last season, JJ Redick is assembling a staff of seasoned veterans and familiar faces to steer the team back to championship contention. Among the notable names joining Redick are Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, and Greg St. Jean, adding substantial experience and expertise to the coaching bench.
The collaboration between Redick and Harding holds promise, given their shared history and understanding of the game. Their reconnection in Philadelphia, where Redick played for the 76ers and Harding served as a player development coach, suggests a synergy that could translate well into their coaching dynamics with the Lakers.
As the Lakers prepare for the upcoming season, Harding’s groundbreaking appointment is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a testament to her skills, dedication, and the progressive steps the NBA is taking toward inclusivity. Her diverse experience, both domestically and internationally, coupled with her proven track record, makes her a formidable addition to Redick’s coaching staff.
Lindsey Harding’s journey from WNBA star to breaking barriers in NBA coaching is an inspiration, marking a significant chapter in the league’s history. Lakers fans and the broader basketball community will undoubtedly watch closely as Harding and the Lakers embark on this new venture.