Los Angeles Lakers Revamp Coaching Staff: JJ Redick Takes the Helm
This summer marks a transformative period for the Los Angeles Lakers as the storied franchise undergoes a significant shift in its coaching staff. In a move that has surprised many, the Lakers have appointed former NBA player and sports media personality JJ Redick as their new head coach, replacing Darvin Ham.
Redick, noted for his celebrated playing career, brings with him a fresh perspective but lacks prior coaching experience. However, Lakers' president Jeanie Buss expressed confidence in Redick's vision and leadership qualities. "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," Buss said. She added, "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 New Approach
Unlike his predecessor, Redick aims to dramatically alter the Lakers' offensive strategy. Under Darvin Ham, the Lakers were fourth in post-up possessions per game last season, averaging 7.3 post-up plays per game. This contrasted sharply with their low rankings in both 3-point attempts and offensive rebounding — 28th with 31.4 attempts per game and 29th in offensive rebounding rate at 24.4%, respectively. The Lakers also finished the season with a middling offensive rating of 115.4, placing them 15th in the league.
Redick plans to overhaul these statistics by increasing the team’s 3-point attempts and focusing on improving their offensive rebounding. He also emphasizes structured, organized offensive sets, signaling a shift from the more fluid approach seen under Ham. "I'm going to use math," Redick stated succinctly, underscoring his analytical approach to the game.
Building a Support System
Recognizing his lack of coaching experience, Redick will be supported by a veteran coaching staff that includes Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding. This group brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, providing Redick with a strong support system as he navigates his first season as a head coach. "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," Buss mentioned. She continued, "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."
Fostering a Positive Culture
In addition to strategic changes on the court, Redick aims to cultivate a positive team culture, emphasizing player development and daily enjoyment. "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 observed.
From his perspective, a happy and cohesive team environment will be crucial in achieving on-court success. This philosophy aligns with the Lakers' broader vision of investing in young talent and fostering individual growth.
Redick’s transition from media to coaching is a bold and unorthodox move for the Lakers, but it’s one that signals a willingness to innovate and break from conventional wisdom. With a diverse coaching staff and a clear vision, Redick is positioned to potentially steer the Lakers into an exciting new era.
While the coming season will undoubtedly test this new approach, the Lakers' leadership appears committed to giving Redick the time and support needed to implement his strategies and build a team culture that could yield long-term benefits. Whether this gamble will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: the world will be watching.