Los Angeles Lakers Make Historic Hire, Bringing Lindsey Harding Onboard
In a groundbreaking move, the Los Angeles Lakers have appointed Lindsey Harding as an assistant coach for JJ Redick’s coaching staff. This historic hiring marks Harding as the first woman to coach for the Lakers, underscoring a significant step forward for gender diversity within the NBA.
Harding joins a distinguished group of women currently coaching in the NBA, which includes Jenny Boucek of the Indiana Pacers, Brittni Donaldson of the Atlanta Hawks, and Sonia Raman of the Memphis Grizzlies. The trend towards more inclusive hiring practices in professional basketball continues to gain momentum.
Lindsey Harding brings a wealth of experience to the Lakers. She has an exemplary coaching resume, having recently led the Stockton Kings, the Sacramento Kings' G League affiliate. Her leadership propelled the team to clinch the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and reach the semifinals of the G League playoffs. For her outstanding performance, Harding was named G League Coach of the Year last season.
Her journey in coaching began in 2017 after a nine-season career in the WNBA, where she played for six different teams. Harding's transition to coaching started with her role as the first black woman to hold a full-time scouting position in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers. She also served as a player development coach with the 76ers, a role that eventually helped her reconnect with JJ Redick when he played for the team.
Redick and Harding share a notable history that dates back to their college days. Both were standout players at Duke University from 2002 to 2006. Harding’s impressive college career culminated in her being named Naismith Player of the Year in 2007, shortly before she was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft.
Beyond her tenure in the WNBA, Harding has also played basketball internationally, most notably in Turkey. After her retirement from playing, she embraced coaching roles, which included a brief stint as the head coach of South Sudan's women's national team. She is currently the head coach of Mexico's women's national team.
Earlier this year, Harding was a prominent candidate for the Charlotte Hornets' head coaching vacancy, a position ultimately filled by Charles Lee. Despite not securing that role, Harding’s coaching acumen was well-recognized across the league, leading to her new opportunity with the Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers, despite an early playoff exit last season, are looking to turn the tide with JJ Redick building his coaching staff with seasoned veterans and familiar faces. The staff includes stalwarts like Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, and Greg St. Jean.
This combination of experienced coaches, coupled with innovative and diverse new hires like Harding, portrays a Lakers organization committed to both excellence and progressiveness. The addition of Harding could offer new dynamics and perspectives that may propel the Lakers back into championship contention.
Harding’s hiring not only represents a personal achievement but also serves as an inspiration for countless women aspiring to break barriers in professional sports. Her journey from a collegiate standout to an accomplished player, and now a trailblazing coach, is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and enduring influence on the game of basketball.
As the Lakers prepare for the upcoming season, the impact of this historic hire will be keenly watched by both fans and analysts. Harding’s extensive background in player development and her recent accolades suggest that she is well-poised to make a significant contribution to the Lakers’ coaching strategies.
With this progressive move, the Lakers are not just aiming for immediate success; they are setting an important precedent for diversity and inclusivity in sports, reflecting a broader cultural shift within the NBA and beyond.