In a historic move, the Los Angeles Lakers have added a new dimension to their coaching staff by hiring Lindsey Harding as an assistant coach. Harding's appointment marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first woman to coach for the Lakers, integrating a trailblazing presence into JJ Redick's coaching team.
An Impressive Coaching Résumé
Lindsey Harding is no stranger to breaking barriers in the basketball world. Before joining the Lakers, she carved out a remarkable coaching career with the Stockton Kings, the Sacramento Kings’ G League affiliate. Her leadership led the Stockton Kings to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, guiding them to the semifinals of the G League playoffs last season. Her exceptional performance earned her the G League Coach of the Year accolade.
Harding's journey into professional coaching began in 2019 when she was hired as an assistant coach by the Sacramento Kings. She continued to make her mark as the first black woman to hold a full-time scouting position in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers, where she also worked as a player development coach.
Duke University Connection
Adding a note of familiarity to the Lakers' coaching dynamic, Harding and Redick share a deep-rooted history, having both played at Duke University from 2002 to 2006. Their paths crossed again in Philadelphia, where Redick played for the 76ers, and Harding served as a player development coach. This shared background at Duke and the 76ers bolsters their collaboration under the Lakers' banner, hinting at a cohesive and synergistic coaching setup.
A Distinguished Playing Career
Before stepping into her coaching roles, Harding left an indelible mark as a player. She was named Naismith Player of the Year in 2007 and subsequently became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft. Over a nine-season career in the WNBA, she played for six different teams and showcased her talent internationally, most notably in Turkey. In 2017, Harding transitioned from playing to coaching and development roles, further cementing her legacy in the sport.
Expanding Horizons
Beyond her notable achievements in the NBA, Harding's coaching career has also seen her take the reins of South Sudan's women's national team. Currently, she serves as the head coach of Mexico's women's national team, demonstrating her versatility and leadership on an international scale. Earlier this year, Harding was even considered for the Charlotte Hornets' head coaching position, underscoring her growing reputation in the coaching community, though the role ultimately went to Charles Lee.
Building the Future
The appointment of Harding aligns with JJ Redick's strategy of building a robust coaching staff by integrating seasoned veterans and familiar faces, such as Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, and Greg St. Jean. As the Lakers navigate the aftermath of an early playoff exit last season, the inclusion of Harding promises a fresh and dynamic approach to the team's strategy and development moving forward.
With Harding's extensive background as both a player and coach, her insights and experience will undeniably offer valuable contributions to the Lakers' quest for excellence. Her hiring not only signals the Lakers' commitment to breaking traditional boundaries but also marks a progressive step in diversifying NBA coaching staff, highlighting an increasingly inclusive future for the sport.
As the Lakers gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how Harding's influence shapes the team's performance and paves the way for future milestones in women in sports coaching.