The Los Angeles Lakers have dramatically overhauled their coaching staff this off-season, marking a significant shift in their approach to the upcoming NBA season. Reflecting their commitment to a fresh start, the Lakers have appointed JJ Redick as the new head coach, replacing Darvin Ham. Redick, a former player with an illustrious career and a budding stint in sports media, brings a new vision to the famed franchise despite not having prior coaching experience.
A New Era Under Redick
Jeanie Buss, the Lakers' president, expressed confidence in Redick's ability to lead the team. "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 explained. Buss's endorsement underscores the organization's belief in Redick's potential to implement transformative changes. "Again, I just want 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 Support System
Complementing Redick on the bench will be a robust and seasoned ensemble of assistant coaches including Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding. Buss highlighted the importance of this experienced support system: "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." She went on to emphasize the collective expertise that these veteran coaches bring to the table, which will be vital in aiding Redick’s transition to his new role. "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."
Strategic Shifts on the Court
Historically under Ham, the Lakers were known for their focus on post-up possessions and saw limited success in three-point shooting and offensive rebounding. Specifically, the Lakers ranked fourth in post-up possessions per game (7.3) but were 28th in three-point attempts per game (31.4) and 29th in offensive rebounding rate (24.4). These statistics contributed to the team finishing 15th in offensive rating (115.4).
Redick aims to address these challenges head-on. He has articulated a clear plan to increase the team's three-point attempts and improve their offensive rebounding. Additionally, Redick intends to introduce more organized offensive sets, a change that signals a strategic pivot from the previous tactics. "I’m going to use math," Redick stated, hinting at a data-driven approach to optimize team performance.
Fostering a Positive Culture
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Redick emphasizes creating an uplifting and supportive environment as a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy. "The pursuit of greatness can't be miserable. Every day that somebody walks in this building, they have to enjoy it," Redick remarked. He views player development and staff satisfaction as critical to the team's overall success. "I think part of being a coach, right, is, like, 'Can I maximize each player?' That helps maximize the group."
Redick’s philosophy extends beyond just the players to the entire organization. He aims to ensure that everyone associated with the Lakers enjoys their time with the team. "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 explained.
Optimism Amid Uncertainty
While Redick’s appointment might raise eyebrows given his lack of coaching experience, the optimism surrounding his vision and leadership is palpable. The Lakers have made a calculated bet on a fresh perspective, hoping that Redick’s innovative approach will pay dividends. The coming season will be a proving ground for Redick to establish his blueprint and, in the words of Jeanie Buss, let his work speak for itself.
It remains to be seen how well Redick’s plans will translate on the court, but for now, the Lakers are committed to this new direction, with an eye on rekindling the franchise's storied success.