The Los Angeles Lakers have taken a bold and intriguing step by completely overhauling their coaching staff this summer. In a move that has garnered significant attention, the Lakers have appointed former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick as their new head coach, replacing Darvin Ham.
A New Era Under JJ Redick
Redick steps into the coaching role with no prior experience, but he brings a wealth of knowledge from a celebrated playing career and a promising stint in sports media. This unconventional choice signifies the Lakers' intention to think differently and take the team in a new direction.
Lakers president Jeanie Buss elaborated on the decision: "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."
Building a Strong Support System
To aid Redick in his transition from player to coach, the Lakers have brought in seasoned veteran assistants Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding. This experienced coaching bench is expected to provide invaluable support and guidance as Redick navigates his inaugural season.
Buss acknowledged the strength of the new coaching staff: "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."
Strategic Shifts
The Lakers' playing style under Ham had specific strengths and weaknesses. Last season, they were fourth in post-up possessions per game (7.3), but struggled with perimeter shooting, ranking 28th in 3-point attempts per game (31.4). Offensive rebounding was another area needing improvement, as the Lakers ranked 29th in offensive rebounding rate (24.4). Overall, they finished 15th in offensive rating (115.4).
Redick plans to address these issues head-on. He has expressed a clear intention to increase the team's 3-point attempts and improve offensive rebounding. Additionally, he aims to implement more organized offensive sets, departing from Ham’s strategies to forge his own path.
Fostering a Positive Culture
Beyond the Xs and Os, Redick emphasizes the importance of creating a positive team culture and focusing on player development. He articulated his philosophy succinctly: “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's analytical approach will also be a cornerstone of his coaching style. "I'm going to use math," he stated, hinting at a data-driven mindset that could bring a modern edge to the Lakers' tactics and preparation.
As the Lakers embark on this new chapter, the combination of Redick’s fresh perspective and the experienced guidance of his seasoned assistants presents a fascinating dynamic. The upcoming season will undoubtedly be watched closely as Redick works to establish his vision and revitalize the storied franchise.