The Los Angeles Lakers have officially revealed their coaching lineup for the 2024-25 NBA season, with JJ Redick at the helm as head coach. Redick, who enjoyed a 15-year playing career before retiring in 2021, will be joined by a diverse team of six assistant coaches. Notably, the staff includes seasoned NBA figures Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks, as well as Lindsey Harding, the first female coach in the history of the Lakers franchise.
Meet the Lakers’ 2024-25 Coaching Staff:
- Head Coach: JJ Redick. After hanging up his sneakers in 2021, JJ Redick quickly transitioned into a respected voice in sports media, particularly through his podcast with LeBron James, “Mind the Game.” Despite having no prior coaching experience, Redick’s high basketball IQ, analytical approach, and strong relationship with James have earned him the Lakers’ head coaching role. How he will navigate his debut season remains to be seen, but he brings fresh perspectives and a deep understanding of the game.
- Assistant Coach: Nate McMillan. With over 20 years of coaching experience, Nate McMillan brings a wealth of knowledge to the Lakers. McMillan has previously served as head coach for teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Seattle SuperSonics. As a former player himself, McMillan is expected to be a crucial mentor for Redick, helping him adjust to the challenges of NBA coaching.
- Assistant Coach: Scott BrooksScott Brooks, another veteran coach, has an impressive resume that includes leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to multiple playoff appearances between 2008 and 2015. Most recently, he was an assistant with the Portland Trail Blazers. Brooks’ extensive experience in coaching makes him a valuable asset on Redick’s staff.
- Assistant Coach: Bob BeyerBob Beyer began his coaching career in college basketball in 1983 and has been an NBA assistant for over two decades. He has worked with numerous teams, bringing with him a depth of experience that will be invaluable to the Lakers’ coaching efforts.
- Assistant Coach: Greg St. JeanGreg St. Jean, who was part of the Lakers’ coaching staff when they won the 2020 NBA Championship, returns to the team to work with Redick. His familiarity with the Lakers’ organization and key players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis adds continuity and insider knowledge to the new coaching setup.
- Assistant Coach: Lindsey HardingA standout player at Duke University alongside Redick, Lindsey Harding has transitioned from a successful WNBA career to coaching. Last season, she was honored as the G League Coach of the Year for her leadership with the Stockton Kings. Harding’s appointment as the Lakers’ first female coach marks a significant milestone for the franchise.
- Assistant Coach: Beau LevesqueBeau Levesque, who previously worked with the Los Angeles Clippers as a player development coordinator, joins the Lakers with a focus on player development. Given Redick’s emphasis on this area, Levesque’s role will be critical in shaping the growth of the team’s talent.
Redick’s Challenge: Turning the Lakers into Contenders
The Lakers are coming off a season that saw them finish as the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference, ultimately falling in the first round of the playoffs to the Denver Nuggets. Following this disappointing outcome, former head coach Darvin Ham was let go after two seasons. JJ Redick will inherit a roster largely unchanged from last year and faces the task of restoring the Lakers to their former glory in a highly competitive conference.
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