Revamped Coaching Staff Leads Lakers into New Era
The Los Angeles Lakers have completely overhauled their coaching staff this summer, marking a significant shift in the team's strategic direction. The Lakers' front office decided to make a bold move by replacing Darvin Ham with JJ Redick as the head coach. This decision underscores a commitment to innovation and fresh perspectives, as Redick steps into the role without any prior coaching experience.
Redick's transition from a celebrated playing career and his promising stint in sports media adds a layer of intrigue to the Lakers' future. His appointment was not just about his knowledge of the game but also his vision for the team's potential. Lakers President Jeanie Buss expressed her confidence in Redick, stating, "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."
Jeanie Buss further emphasized the importance of giving Redick time to establish his ideals, saying, "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."
Joining Redick on the bench are veteran assistants Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding. This experienced staff aims to support Redick as he navigates his new role. Buss noted, "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."
Last season under Ham, the Lakers' performance was a mixed bag. They boasted the fourth-highest post-up possessions per game (7.3) but struggled in other offensive metrics, ranking 28th in three-point attempts per game (31.4), 29th in offensive rebounding rate (24.4), and finishing 15th in offensive rating (115.4). Clearly, there was room for improvement, and Redick intends to address these areas.
Redick’s plan is to increase the team's three-point attempts and improve offensive rebounding, which could potentially lift the team’s offensive efficiency. He also aims to run more organized offensive sets, with a focus on maximizing each player's potential through comprehensive development programs. "I'm going to use math," Redick succinctly stated, hinting at a data-driven approach to his coaching strategy.
Player development will be a cornerstone of Redick's coaching ethos. He envisions a positive team culture where every day is an opportunity for growth and enjoyment. "The pursuit of greatness can't be miserable. Every day that somebody walks in this building, they have to enjoy it," Redick said. "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."
It is evident that the Lakers' front office is taking a calculated risk with Redick’s appointment, but one that comes with the potential for high rewards. With a fresh mind at the helm and a support system rich with experience, the Lakers are poised for a transformative season.