Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has shown himself to be stubborn on TV and podcasts. However, he is also humble enough, not to mention wise enough, to know that he will need help in the coming months. So when the Lakers coaching staff was announced, there was several notable names —Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks and Lindsey Harding.
Redick was specific in his choice of who would help him coach the Lakers this season, and the first-year coach had a certain characteristic in mind.
“I’m most excited to work, to be in the gym here, in this facility, with the guys and our coaching staff,” Redick said on the “Lakeshow” podcast Friday. “That’s the best part. It’s fascinating because you put together puzzle pieces of skill sets and personalities. I couldn’t be happier with the staff we’ve built here. We have a mix of youth and experience. Obviously Nate (McMillan) and Scotty (Brooks) but also Bob Beyer, who’s been on the bench for almost two decades in the NBA. The biggest thing for me was making sure I had a bunch of sick guys on my team and I think I did that. They’re hard workers.”
Redick, who will be in his first role, will learn on the job. However, his learning curve will be less bumpy with the coaches he has on his staff.
Former NBA head coaches McMillan and Brooks have won 1,358 regular-season and playoff games combined. They also played in the NBA, giving them plenty of experience. When Redick needs to bring in an assistant coach, they’ll likely be the first people he turns to.
As Redick points out, Bob Beyer has been on the bench since 2003. He coached under Stan Van Gundy while he was with the Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons and New Orleans Pelicans. He coached under Steve Clifford while he was with the Charlotte Hornets (and Bobcats). He also learned from Mark Jackson and Billy Donovan. Someone with his defensive expertise will be helpful, especially since Redick is touted for his offensive IQ.
With Harding, the 2024 G League Coach of the Year, also joining the party, Redick has reason to be excited.
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