The Los Angeles Lakers have made a historic move by hiring Lindsey Harding as an assistant coach for JJ Redick's coaching staff. Harding now becomes the first woman to coach for the Lakers, joining a select group of women actively coaching in the NBA. Alongside her are Jenny Boucek of the Pacers, Brittni Donaldson with the Hawks, and Sonia Raman from the Grizzlies.
Harding's appointment is a significant milestone in her illustrious career, one that has seen her excel at multiple levels of the sport. Before joining the Lakers, Harding coached the Stockton Kings, the G League affiliate of the Sacramento Kings, where she led her team to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and the semifinals of the G League playoffs. Her standout performance earned her the G League Coach of the Year award last season.
In 2019, Harding took her first steps into NBA coaching by joining the Sacramento Kings as an assistant coach. Her coaching journey also includes a pioneering role with the Philadelphia 76ers, where she became the first black woman to hold a full-time scouting position and served as a player development coach. It's at Philadelphia where she reconnected with JJ Redick, who played for the 76ers while Harding was on the coaching staff.
Shared Roots at Duke University
Both Redick and Harding share roots that trace back to their time at Duke University, where they played from 2002 to 2006. Harding's collegiate career was marked by stellar achievements, culminating in being named Naismith Player of the Year in 2007. That same year, she was the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft, setting the stage for a successful nine-season career in the league, during which she played for six different teams.
After making her mark in the WNBA, Harding showcased her global basketball talent by playing internationally, most notably in Turkey. She transitioned to coaching and development roles after her retirement in 2017. Harding's coaching experiences also extend to the national team level; she briefly served as the head coach for South Sudan's women's national team and currently holds the position of head coach for Mexico's women’s national team.
A Candidate for the Hornets’ Head Coaching Position
Earlier this year, Harding was in the running for the Charlotte Hornets' head coaching vacancy, a testament to her growing reputation in the basketball coaching community. Although Charles Lee was ultimately selected for the job, Harding’s candidacy highlighted her credentials and potential to lead at the highest level.
The Lakers' Vision and Early Playoff Exit
The Lakers, who experienced an early playoff exit last season, are looking to fortify their coaching roster under JJ Redick's leadership. Redick is constructing his coaching team with a mix of seasoned veterans and trusted confidants, including Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, and Greg St. Jean. Harding's addition not only breaks barriers but also brings a wealth of experience and proven success to the Lakers' bench.
By integrating Harding into their coaching staff, the Lakers take a meaningful step toward more inclusive representation in the NBA coaching circles. Harding’s diverse background and accomplishments make her a valuable asset as the Lakers aim to turn their fortunes around for the upcoming season. The pairing of Redick and Harding, who have reunited after their tenure with the 76ers, brings a unique synergy and depth to the Lakers' coaching dynamics.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Lindsey Harding and the Los Angeles Lakers to see how this historic and strategic hiring will impact the future performance and culture of the team.