In a historic and progressive move, the Los Angeles Lakers have added Lindsey Harding to their coaching staff under JJ Redick. This significant hire marks Harding as the first woman ever to coach for this storied NBA franchise, pushing the boundaries and setting new precedents in the sports industry.
Lindsey Harding's impressive journey to the Lakers bench is punctuated by groundbreaking achievements and a notable coaching career. Most recently, Harding led the Stockton Kings, the Sacramento Kings' G League affiliate, to an exceptional season, which earned her the G League Coach of the Year honor. Under her guidance, the Stockton Kings clinched the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and progressed to the semifinals of the G League playoffs.
History-Making Career
Before her tenure with the Stockton Kings, Lindsey Harding had already blazed trails within the NBA framework. In 2019, she was appointed as an assistant coach by the Sacramento Kings. Previously, Harding made history as the first Black woman to hold a full-time scouting position in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers. In Philadelphia, she not only honed her skills as a scout but also served as a player development coach, which further solidified her reputation in the league.
Harding's basketball credentials were not solely built in the coaching realm. An illustrious player herself, Harding was named Naismith Player of the Year in 2007 and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft. Her professional playing career spans nine seasons with six different teams in the WNBA. Additionally, Harding's international stints, especially in Turkey, added a rich layer to her diverse basketball pedigree.
A Reunion with Redick
Adding an intriguing twist to her appointment with the Lakers, Lindsey Harding reunites with JJ Redick, the newly appointed head coach, with whom she shares a collegiate bond. Both Harding and Redick played for Duke University from 2002 to 2006, a period during which they developed their competitive spirits and honed their basketball skills. Their paths crossed once again in Philadelphia when Redick was playing for the 76ers, and Harding was working as a player development coach. This reunion under the Lakers' banner promises a synergy forged from mutual respect and shared experiences.
Beyond the NBA
Lindsey Harding's coaching acumen extends beyond the American professional leagues. After retiring from playing in 2017, she transitioned into coaching roles that expanded her influence on a global scale. She had a brief stint as the head coach of South Sudan's women's national team and is currently serving as the head coach of Mexico's women's national team. Despite her notable application for the Charlotte Hornets' head coaching vacancy earlier this year, which ultimately went to Charles Lee, Harding's career trajectory continues to ascend with her new role with the Lakers.
Strong Foundation
JJ Redick's coaching staff, a blend of seasoned veterans and familiar faces, is on track to capitalize on their potential. Incorporating high-profile assistants like Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, and Greg St. Jean, and now Lindsey Harding, presents a powerful coaching lineup aimed at rejuvenating the Lakers' strategies. Their collective expertise seeks to address the disappointments of the Lakers' early playoff exit last season, aiming to set the foundation for future success.
Lindsey Harding's integration into the Lakers coaching staff is more than a professional milestone; it is a statement. It reflects broader changes in the NBA, a league progressively acknowledging and embracing the value of diversity and inclusivity. Alongside other women coaches such as Jenny Boucek (Pacers), Brittni Donaldson (Hawks), and Sonia Raman (Grizzlies), Harding's role underscores the growing opportunities and evolving dynamics within the sport.
As the Lakers look forward to the upcoming season, the hiring of Lindsey Harding represents not just an alignment of strategic prowess, but an inspirational moment in NBA history, setting a prelude to the infinite possibilities in sports leadership.