Los Angeles Lakers Overhaul Coaching Staff, Appoint JJ Redick as Head Coach
The Los Angeles Lakers have made a bold move this offseason by completely overhauling their coaching staff. Leading the charge is the appointment of JJ Redick as the new head coach, replacing Darvin Ham. This decision marks a significant shift for the Lakers, especially given that Redick has no prior coaching experience. However, the Lakers’ president, Jeanie Buss, is confident in Redick’s abilities and vision for the team.
"We wanted to kind of think a different way. Really, he's got a vision," Buss explained. "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 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."
Redick’s transition from a celebrated playing career and a promising stint in sports media to coaching represents a new chapter for the Lakers. Redick, who played 12 years in the NBA, understands the intricacies of the league and brings a fresh perspective to the bench. Buss also highlighted the promising dynamics with the new coaching staff, emphasizing that the environment is already fostering player development.
"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."
Veteran Support on the Bench
Joining Redick on the sidelines are veteran assistants Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding. This trio brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that will be crucial for Redick as he transitions into his new role. Brooks and McMillan, in particular, boast extensive coaching credentials, and their presence should help stabilize the team during this period of change.
Redick faces the challenge of improving the Lakers’ performance in several key areas where they struggled last season. Under Ham, the team was fourth in post-up possessions per game but ranked 28th in 3-point attempts and 29th in offensive rebounding rate. Additionally, they finished 15th in offensive rating, indicating room for improvement.
Strategic Changes and Cultural Shift
Redick is set to introduce strategic changes aimed at boosting the team’s offensive output. He plans to increase the Lakers’ 3-point attempts, improve offensive rebounding, and run more organized offensive sets. Player development is another cornerstone of Redick’s coaching ethos, something that resonates with Buss’s vision for the team.
"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 stated.
Redick’s fresh approach includes a significant emphasis on analytics. "I'm going to use math," he succinctly put it, hinting at a data-driven strategy that is increasingly becoming a staple in modern basketball coaching.
Outlook for the Upcoming Season
The revamped coaching staff and Redick’s ambitious vision set an intriguing stage for the Lakers’ upcoming season. The blend of Redick’s modern approach and the experience of his veteran assistants could provide the right balance to elevate the team’s performance. While it's early days, the initial signs are promising, with players already showing up for workouts despite them not being mandatory.
The Lakers’ commitment to player development and creating a positive team culture aligns well with their long-term goals. As Jeanie Buss mentioned, the organization is willing to give Redick the time he needs to implement his strategies and establish his coaching methods. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off, but for now, the Lakers are poised for an exciting new chapter under JJ Redick’s leadership.