The Los Angeles Lakers have undergone a significant transformation this summer, making a bold move by replacing their head coach Darvin Ham with former NBA player and sports media figure JJ Redick. This decision marks a new chapter for both the Lakers and Redick, who steps into his first coaching role after a celebrated playing career and a well-received tenure in sports media.
An Unconventional Choice
JJ Redick, known for his sharpshooting during his 12-year NBA career, brings a fresh perspective to the Lakers’ coaching lineup, despite having no prior coaching experience. President Jeanie Buss emphasized the innovative nature of this appointment. “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,” said Buss.
Under Ham, the Lakers were known for their strong post-up game but struggled with perimeter shooting and offensive rebounding. Last season, the team was fourth in post-up possessions per game (7.3) but lagged in 3-point attempts per game, ranking 28th (31.4), and were 29th in offensive rebounding rate (24.4). These statistics reflect a team with a need for a revamped strategy to exploit modern basketball efficiencies.
A Vision for the Future
Redick is set on leveraging analytics to elevate the Lakers’ offensive capabilities. "I'm going to use math," he declared, indicating a statistically driven approach to managing the team. His strategy includes increasing the team’s 3-point attempts and focusing on improving offensive rebounding, core areas where the Lakers previously faltered.
Redick’s coaching philosophy extends beyond just tactics and statistics. He aims to foster a positive team environment, a culture where players enjoy coming to work. “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 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 explained.
Experienced Support
Redick won't be alone as he navigates his new role. His bench will feature veteran assistants Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding. The presence of these experienced coaches is anticipated to ease Redick's transition from player to 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. 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,” Buss added.
A Team in Transition
Ham's tenure saw the Lakers finish 15th in offensive rating (115.4), a middle-of-the-pack performance that showcases both potential and room for improvement. Redick has openly communicated his intention to run more organized offensive sets, a change expected to bring more structure and efficiency to the team's playstyle.
This overhaul signifies a radical shift in the Lakers' operational ethos, emphasizing player development and a forward-thinking, analytics-driven strategy. With Redick's leadership, the Lakers are looking to evolve past recent struggles and build a cohesive, competitive unit. His fresh approach, combined with the seasoned expertise of his assistant coaches, offers a beacon of hope for fans looking forward to a reinvigorated Lakers team.
Ultimately, Redick's tenure with the Lakers will be closely watched, considering the high expectations and unique challenge of transitioning from player and analyst to 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 concluded, encapsulating the optimism surrounding this new era for the Lakers.