The Los Angeles Lakers have undertaken a complete overhaul of their coaching staff this summer, signaling a fresh start with bold, unexpected moves. The decision to appoint JJ Redick as the new head coach in place of Darvin Ham has certainly turned heads around the league. Redick, known for his successful playing career and promising stint in sports media, steps into this role despite having no prior coaching experience.
Jeanie Buss, Lakers' president, mentioned the motivation behind this unconventional choice. "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."
Redick’s coaching philosophy promises a number of changes, particularly on the offensive end. Last season, under Ham, the Lakers were fourth in post-up possessions per game (7.3), 28th in 3-point attempts per game (31.4), and 29th in offensive rebounding rate (24.4). Despite achieving a mid-tier offensive rating of 115.4, there’s evidently room for improvement. Redick has expressed a clear agenda to increase the team's 3-point attempts, improve offensive rebounding, and incorporate more organized offensive sets.
Redick articulated his strategy succinctly: "I'm going to use math." This analytical approach indicates a potential shift in the team's playstyle, possibly embracing modern NBA trends that prioritize spacing and three-point shooting. Additionally, Redick is keen on fostering a positive team culture and focusing on player development, a cornerstone of his coaching ethos. "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."
To support Redick in this transition, the Lakers have enlisted a trio of veteran assistant coaches—Scotty Brooks, Nate McMillan, and Lindsey Harding. These experienced hands bring a wealth of knowledge and will presumably help cushion Redick's shift from player to coach. Buss is particularly impressed with 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."
It’s evident that the Lakers are banking on Redick’s fresh perspective and analytical prowess to rejuvenate a team that has underperformed in key offensive metrics. The decision underscores a commitment to innovation and an investment in developing young talent. While Redick faces a learning curve, the support structure around him, combined with his own determination, aims to create a balanced and dynamic environment.
The revamped coaching approach, driven by a blend of math and motivation, showcases the Lakers' resolve to break free from past patterns and explore new horizons. This season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, curious to see if this gamble pays off in terms of improved performance and a coherent, enjoyable team culture.