In a historic move, the Los Angeles Lakers are set to hire Lindsey Harding, the reigning G League Coach of the Year, as an assistant coach under new head coach JJ Redick. Harding’s appointment will make her the first female full-time assistant coach in the storied history of the Lakers franchise.
This landmark hiring, initially reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, comes on the heels of several notable additions to Redick’s coaching staff, including experienced coaches Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, and Greg St. Jean. While the Lakers have yet to officially announce any of these appointments, McMillan, Brooks, and St. Jean have been seen courtside, actively participating in the team’s Las Vegas Summer League games, indicating their roles within the organization.
Harding, 39, has an impressive coaching resume. Last season, she was the head coach of the Stockton Kings, the Sacramento Kings’ G League affiliate. Under her leadership, Stockton achieved a league-best 24-10 record during the regular season, a performance that earned Harding the distinction of being the first woman to win the G League Coach of the Year award. Her success with Stockton is a testament to her strategic acumen and leadership skills.
Before her tenure with the Stockton Kings, Harding served as an assistant coach and player development coach for the Sacramento Kings over four seasons. Her contributions to player development and game strategy were highly regarded, making her a respected figure in the coaching community.
Harding’s coaching experience extends beyond the G League. She has also been the head coach of the Mexico women’s national basketball team, where she played a pivotal role in developing the team’s competitive edge. Additionally, she coached the South Sudan women’s national team, leading them in their historic participation in the FIBA AfroBasket qualifier. This marked the first time South Sudan’s women’s team competed in an international tournament, showcasing Harding’s ability to inspire and lead teams to new heights.
Her appointment to the Lakers coaching staff is seen as a progressive step for the franchise, embracing diversity and inclusion while recognizing the talents and contributions of female coaches in a predominantly male-dominated field. Harding’s wealth of experience, coupled with her groundbreaking achievements, makes her a valuable addition to JJ Redick’s coaching team. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how her expertise will contribute to the Lakers’ pursuit of excellence in the upcoming season.
