In a decisive move that promises to inject new energy into the team, the Los Angeles Lakers have completely overhauled their coaching staff this summer. In a surprising decision that has left fans both intrigued and excited, the Lakers have replaced head coach Darvin Ham with former NBA sharpshooter and sports media personality JJ Redick.
An Unexpected Choice
The decision to bring in Redick, who has no prior coaching experience, marks a bold turn for the franchise. Transitioning from a celebrated playing career to the media world, Redick now faces the challenge of leading one of the NBA's most storied teams from the sidelines. The move signifies a fresh direction for the Lakers, aimed at fostering a new culture and improving on last season's performance.
Jeanie Buss, the Lakers' president, offers insight into the rationale behind this unconventional appointment. "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 the 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."
A Team Built on Experience
Redick will not be embarking on this journey alone. Joining him on the bench are veteran assistants Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding, each bringing a wealth of experience that will be crucial in Redick's transition to head coaching. Buss expressed confidence in the new staff, emphasizing their ability to guide Redick: "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."
Changing the Strategy
Under Ham, the Lakers experienced mixed results last season. They ranked fourth in post-up possessions per game (7.3) but struggled with their long-range game and offensive rebounding, finishing 28th in 3-point attempts per game (31.4) and 29th in offensive rebounding rate (24.4). Despite these challenges, the team managed to secure the 15th spot in offensive rating (115.4).
Redick aims to change these dynamics significantly. Known for his analytical approach, Redick has already hinted at some of the strategies he plans to employ. "I'm going to use math," Redick stated, indicating his intention to leverage data-driven decisions. He plans to focus on increasing the team's 3-point attempts, improving offensive rebounding, and running more organized offensive sets. Such changes could potentially elevate the Lakers' performance in areas where they have previously lagged.
Building a Positive Team Culture
Beyond the tactical shifts, Redick is also committed to fostering a positive team culture. "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.
Central to Redick's philosophy is player development. This approach aligns with Buss's vision of a coach who could "really invest in developing young players." If Redick can successfully balance the pressure of coaching with the supportive environment he envisions, the Lakers could see significant growth both on and off the court.
As the Lakers prepare for the upcoming season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Redick's strategies and ethos translate into performance. While the journey of an untested coach in the high-stakes world of the NBA is fraught with uncertainty, the combination of Redick's fresh perspective and the experienced support around him offers a promising new chapter for the Los Angeles Lakers.