Lakers Hire Former WNBA Player as Assistant Coach

Robin Lundberg | Jul 16, 2024

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

JJ Redick has made a big addition to his staff with the Los Angeles Lakers. Lindsey Harding, who coached the Sacramento Kings G League team, has reportedly agreed to a deal to join the Lakers as an assistant. Harding was the G League Coach of the Year for the Stockton Kings.

ESPN Sources: Lindsey Harding — the G League coach of the year — has agreed on a deal to become an assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers. Harding leaves the Kings to rejoin JJ Redick, whom she spent time with on the Sixers staff and as a Duke All-American. pic.twitter.com/O0O0Gom3ic

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 16, 2024

Harding played nine-years in the WNBA before beginning her climb up the coaching ranks. She has a long relationship with Redick dating back to her time as a player development coach while he was with the Philadelphia 76ers and as an All-American at Duke. Redick had publicly recommended Lindsey for the top job in Durham in the past.

Can we get a look for Lindsey Harding? 🙏🏻 https://t.co/QMF0bB9IX1

— JJ Redick (@jj_redick) July 6, 2020

Harding, who was the number one pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft, had previously interviewed for the Charlotte Hornets head coach position. Harding became the first woman to win G League Coach of the Year with her selection earlier this year. Of course a woman carving a coaching path in the NBA is not uncharted waters, as Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon spent many years on a staff before winning back-to-back championships in the W. Harding appears to be rising in a similar fashion.

Harding's coaching experience will be needed in Los Angeles, given Redick notably has none at the professional level. She joins a staff that includes the likes of Nate McMillan and will have the opportunity to sit on the bench for a team that features LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the roster. A bit of a step up from the G League.