Lindsey Harding Joins Los Angeles Lakers as Assistant Coach
In a historic move, the Los Angeles Lakers have announced the hiring of Lindsey Harding as an assistant coach for JJ Redick's newly formed staff. This appointment marks a significant milestone as Harding becomes the first woman to coach for the Lakers, further advancing the presence of women in the predominantly male NBA.
The addition of Harding is part of JJ Redick's strategy to build a highly-experienced and familiar coaching staff. Alongside seasoned veterans like Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, and Greg St. Jean, Harding's appointment underscores a blend of diverse experiences and fresh perspectives, aimed at steering the Lakers to success after an early playoff exit last season.
A Groundbreaking Career
Lindsey Harding's journey to the Lakers bench is a testament to her resilience and pioneering spirit. Harding's coaching resume includes an impressive tenure with the Stockton Kings, the Sacramento Kings’ G League affiliate, where she was named G League Coach of the Year last season. Under her guidance, the Stockton Kings secured the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and made it to the semifinals of the G League playoffs.
Before her time with the Stockton Kings, Harding was hired in 2019 as an assistant coach by the Sacramento Kings. This role came after her trailblazing position as the first Black woman to hold a full-time scouting role in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers. Harding also contributed significantly in player development with the 76ers, showcasing her acumen in nurturing young talent.
Legacy of Excellence
Harding’s basketball career began with a stellar collegiate tenure at Duke University, where she and JJ Redick both played from 2002 to 2006. Harding's exceptional performance earned her the Naismith Player of the Year award in 2007, the same year she was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft. Throughout her nine-season WNBA career, Harding played for six different teams, further refining her skills and knowledge of the game.
Post her WNBA stint, Harding played internationally in countries like Turkey, adding a global dimension to her understanding of basketball. Her transition from player to coach started after retiring in 2017, taking up various coaching and developmental roles, including a brief period as the head coach of South Sudan's women's national team and currently serving as the head coach of Mexico's women's national team.
Reconnection and New Beginnings
Harding's path crossed with Redick again in Philadelphia when Harding was a player development coach for the 76ers, and Redick was playing for the team. This reconnection has now come full circle with Harding joining Redick’s coaching staff at the Lakers.
The Road Ahead
The Lakers are poised for a new chapter with Harding’s appointment, blending her unique insights from both playing and coaching. Harding also had a brush with potentially leading as a head coach earlier this year when she was a candidate for the Charlotte Hornets' top position. Though Charles Lee was ultimately chosen, Harding's consideration for the role speaks volumes about her growing reputation in NBA coaching circles.
Harding’s hiring by the Lakers is not just a personal achievement but a step forward for diversity and inclusion in the NBA. She joins the ranks of Jenny Boucek (Pacers), Brittni Donaldson (Hawks), and Sonia Raman (Grizzlies), who are also breaking barriers as women actively coaching in the league.
As the upcoming season approaches, all eyes will be on the Lakers to see how Redick’s restructured coaching team, including the trailblazing Lindsey Harding, will shape the future of the franchise.