In a sweeping move that has left many in the basketball world both surprised and intrigued, the Los Angeles Lakers have completely revamped their coaching staff this summer. At the center of this overhaul is the appointment of JJ Redick as the new head coach, replacing Darvin Ham. Redick's transition from a venerated playing career and a promising stint in sports media to the helm of one of the NBA’s storied franchises marks a significant shift in the Lakers’ approach.
New Leadership at the Helm
Redick’s appointment comes despite his lack of prior coaching experience. However, his deep knowledge of the game and his reputation as an astute analyst have seemingly made him an attractive candidate for the Lakers. Jeanie Buss, the Lakers' president, articulated the organization’s vision clearly. “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 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,” Buss said.
Experienced Bench Support
To support Redick, the Lakers have brought in an experienced group of veteran assistants: Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding. Buss expressed confidence in the staff assembled around 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,” Buss added.
Addressing Previous Shortcomings
Under Darvin Ham, the Lakers displayed a combination of strengths and glaring deficiencies. The team was fourth in post-up possessions per game last season (7.3), but they struggled significantly in other areas. They ranked 28th in 3-point attempts per game (31.4) and 29th in offensive rebounding rate (24.4), finishing 15th in offensive rating (115.4). Redick’s plan to make substantial changes is already taking shape. He aims to increase the team’s 3-point attempts, improve offensive rebounding, and implement more organized offensive sets. “I'm going to use math,” Redick quipped, hinting at a data-driven approach to these issues.
Fostering Development and Culture
Beyond tactical adjustments, Redick’s ambitions for the Lakers encompass broader cultural and developmental objectives. “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,” he stated.
Player development is anticipated to be a cornerstone of Redick's coaching ethos. This ties in with the Lakers' desire to invest in their younger talent, a sentiment echoed by Buss. Redick’s rich experience as a player and his recent roles in sports media have equipped him with unique perspectives that he aims to leverage in fostering growth and positivity within the team.
A New Chapter for the Lakers
As training camps begin, the Lakers step into an era defined by a willingness to innovate and adapt. While Redick’s lack of coaching experience invites scrutiny, it is balanced by his extensive playing career and a knowledgeable coaching staff poised to support him. The upcoming season will be crucial in determining how effectively Redick can translate his vision into results on the court and whether his leadership can indeed engender the positive culture he envisions.
With a blend of strategic changes and a focus on holistic development, the Lakers hope to not only improve their performance metrics but also cultivate an environment where players and staff alike are motivated and content. This ambitious new chapter could redefine the trajectory of one of the NBA’s most historic teams.