The Los Angeles Lakers have made a historic move by hiring Lindsey Harding as an assistant coach for JJ Redick's staff. Harding, the first woman to coach for the Lakers, brings a wealth of experience and an impressive basketball pedigree to the team.
Harding's coaching journey has been marked by several milestones. Most recently, she led the Stockton Kings, the Sacramento Kings’ G League affiliate, to significant success. Under Harding's leadership, the Stockton Kings clinched the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and reached the semifinals of the G League playoffs. Her outstanding performance earned her the G League Coach of the Year award last season.
Her coaching prowess first caught the spotlight in 2019 when she was hired as an assistant coach by the Sacramento Kings. Notably, Harding was the first black woman to hold a full-time scouting position in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers, where she also served as a player development coach. This role facilitated a reunion with JJ Redick, who was then playing for the 76ers. Both Harding and Redick share a history from their college years at Duke University, where they played from 2002 to 2006.
Harding's basketball career is illustrious, both on and off the court. She was named Naismith Player of the Year in 2007 and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft. Over a nine-season tenure in the WNBA, Harding played for six different teams and also showcased her skills internationally, most notably in Turkey. After retiring in 2017, she seamlessly transitioned into coaching and player development roles, further broadening her impact on the game.
Her international coaching experience includes a brief stint as the head coach of South Sudan's women's national team, and she is currently the head coach of Mexico's women's national team. Earlier this year, Harding was also a candidate for the Charlotte Hornets' head coaching vacancy, although the position ultimately went to Charles Lee.
The Lakers' decision to hire Harding is a testament to her abilities and the changing dynamics in the NBA, where women are increasingly taking on significant coaching roles. Harding joins a growing list of women making strides in the league, such as Jenny Boucek with the Pacers, Brittni Donaldson with the Hawks, and Sonia Raman with the Grizzlies.
The hiring of JJ Redick as the Lakers' head coach has also brought about several strategic additions to the coaching staff. Redick, a former NBA sharpshooter known for his deep understanding of the game, is assembling a team of seasoned veterans and trusted associates. This includes the likes of Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, and Greg St. Jean, each bringing their unique expertise to the table.
While the Lakers faced an early playoff exit last season, the new coaching hires signal a clear intention to retool and strengthen the team's approach. Harding's appointment, in particular, underscores a commitment to innovative leadership and diverse perspectives in the coaching ranks.
As the Lakers gear up for the upcoming season, the impact of Harding's experience, combined with Redick's strategic vision, could mark a new chapter in the franchise's storied history. With a collective of seasoned coaches and rising stars, the Lakers community and fans alike can look forward to a renewed sense of purpose and direction both on and off the court.