The Los Angeles Lakers made a historic decision, hiring Lindsey Harding as an assistant coach for JJ Redick's staff. Harding's appointment marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first woman to coach for the Lakers, joining a select group of female coaches making strides in the NBA. She stands alongside Jenny Boucek (Pacers), Brittni Donaldson (Hawks), and Sonia Raman (Grizzlies), who are also actively coaching in the league.
A Distinguished Coaching Career
Before joining the Lakers, Harding was the head coach of the Stockton Kings, Sacramento Kings’ G League affiliate. Her impact was immediately felt as she led the team to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and guided them to the semifinals of the G League playoffs. Her exceptional leadership and strategic acumen earned her the G League Coach of the Year award last season.
In 2019, Harding took her first steps into NBA coaching when she was hired as an assistant coach by the Sacramento Kings. Still, her groundbreaking career in the NBA began even earlier. Harding was the first black woman to hold a full-time scouting position in the league with the Philadelphia 76ers. Her versatility and commitment to development were also showcased during her tenure as a player development coach with the 76ers.
From Player to Coach
Harding's basketball journey is as illustrious as it is diverse. During her college years at Duke University from 2002 to 2006, she played alongside JJ Redick. Their paths crossed again later in Philadelphia when Redick was playing for the 76ers and Harding was a player development coach, further solidifying a professional relationship that now extends to the Lakers.
Harding's transition from a celebrated player to a coach has been marked by numerous accomplishments. In 2007, she was recognized as the Naismith Player of the Year and was the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft. Over her nine-season career in the WNBA, Harding played for six different teams and made significant contributions internationally, most notably in Turkey.
After retiring in 2017, Harding's shift to coaching and development roles was seamless. She briefly served as the head coach of South Sudan's women's national team and is currently at the helm of Mexico's women's national team. Earlier this year, she was a candidate for the Charlotte Hornets' head coaching vacancy, although Charles Lee was ultimately selected for the position.
The Vision of JJ Redick
As the Lakers aim to rebound from their early playoff exit last season, JJ Redick is shaping his coaching staff with seasoned veterans and familiar faces. Among those joining his staff are experienced coaches Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, and Greg St. Jean, alongside Harding. This blend of experience and familiarity is designed to create a dynamic and knowledgeable coaching team capable of guiding the Lakers to deeper playoff runs and future successes.
Harding's addition not only enriches the Lakers' coaching staff but also represents a significant step forward for diversity and inclusion within the league. Her rich background, both as a player and as a coach, brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective that promises to be invaluable to the Lakers' pursuits in the upcoming seasons.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on the Lakers to see how this revamped coaching team, led by Redick, will steer the team. Lindsey Harding's remarkable journey and breakthrough appointment signal a promising future not just for her but for the entire organization.