Trailblazing Hire: Lindsey Harding Joins Los Angeles Lakers as Assistant Coach
The Los Angeles Lakers have made a historic and progressive move by hiring Lindsey Harding as an assistant coach under the leadership of JJ Redick. Harding becomes the first woman to ever coach for the Lakers, a groundbreaking milestone for the franchise.
Harding joins a distinguished cohort of women actively coaching in the NBA, which includes Jenny Boucek with the Pacers, Brittni Donaldson with the Hawks, and Sonia Raman with the Grizzlies. This hiring underscores the increasing recognition and inclusion of women in pivotal coaching roles within the league.
Lindsey Harding's Coaching Pedigree
Before joining the Lakers, Harding coached the Stockton Kings, the G League affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. Her tenure there was nothing short of remarkable. Last season, she was named G League Coach of the Year after leading the Stockton Kings to clinch the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and reach the semifinals of the G League playoffs.
Harding's coaching journey began in 2019 when the Sacramento Kings hired her as an assistant coach. Her rise through the coaching ranks has been steady and impressive. Notably, Harding was also the first black woman to hold a full-time scouting position in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers, where she also served as a player development coach.
A Rich Playing Career
Harding's qualifications extend beyond her coaching credentials; she boasts a laudable playing career as well. At Duke University, she shared the court with JJ Redick from 2002 to 2006 – a connection that has now come full circle with their reunion on the Lakers' coaching staff. After a stellar collegiate career, Harding was named Naismith Player of the Year in 2007 and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft.
Harding enjoyed nine seasons in the WNBA, playing for six different teams and even showcasing her skills on international stages, most notably in Turkey. Upon her retirement in 2017, she smoothly transitioned into coaching and development roles, steadily building her expertise and reputation.
International Experience
Harding’s coaching prowess isn't confined to the NBA and G League. She briefly served as the head coach of South Sudan's women's national team and is currently the head coach of Mexico's women's national team. Her international experience further underscores her versatile coaching capabilities and her ability to adapt to various playing styles and team dynamics.
Earlier this year, her coaching acumen was in high demand as she was a candidate for the Charlotte Hornets' head coaching vacancy, a position ultimately filled by Charles Lee.
Strengthening the Lakers' Staff
The Lakers' decision to bring Harding on board is part of JJ Redick's broader strategy to build his staff with seasoned veterans and familiar faces. The coaching team now features notable names such as Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, and Greg St. Jean. This amalgamation of experienced coaches bodes well for the Lakers as they aim to bounce back from their early playoff exit last season.
Looking Forward
Harding's appointment is a significant step not just for the Lakers, but for the NBA as a whole, reflecting the league's ongoing evolution towards inclusivity and diverse representation. As she brings her wealth of experience, both as a player and coach, to one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, there is a palpable sense of optimism and excitement about what Harding can contribute to the team’s future success.