In a groundbreaking move, the Los Angeles Lakers have announced the hiring of Lindsey Harding as an assistant coach for JJ Redick's staff. This significant appointment marks the first time a woman has been given a coaching position within the storied franchise. Harding's extensive resume and her pioneering journey in basketball make her an inspiring hire for the Lakers, a team looking to bounce back from an early playoff exit last season.
Harding is no stranger to breaking new ground in the NBA. She first made history as the league's first black woman to hold a full-time scouting position with the Philadelphia 76ers. Her time with the 76ers also saw her serve as a player development coach, a role that brought her into close professional contact with Redick when he was a player for the team. This prior connection undoubtedly influenced her recent hiring, as Redick looks to surround himself with seasoned veterans and familiar faces while building his coaching staff, which already includes names like Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, and Greg St. Jean.
Before joining the Lakers, Harding most recently served as head coach of the Stockton Kings, the G League affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. Her tenure there was nothing short of remarkable. Under her leadership, the team clinched the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and made it to the semifinals of the G League playoffs. Her outstanding performance earned her the G League Coach of the Year award, underscoring her coaching prowess and strategic acumen.
Harding’s association with the Sacramento Kings began in 2019 when she was hired as an assistant coach. Her coaching journey, however, had its roots in her playing career, where she was a standout at Duke University. During her collegiate years, she played alongside Redick from 2002 to 2006, even being named the Naismith Player of the Year in 2007. That same year, she was the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft, beginning a nine-season stint in the league where she played for six different teams.
Harding’s athletic talents were not confined to the United States. She also played basketball internationally, including a notable period in Turkey. After retiring from playing in 2017, Harding smoothly transitioned into coaching and development roles, which saw her take on responsibilities beyond the NBA. She briefly served as the head coach for South Sudan's women's national team and is currently the head coach for Mexico's women's national team.
This year, Harding's coaching credentials earned her consideration for the head coaching vacancy at the Charlotte Hornets, although Charles Lee was ultimately chosen for the role. Nevertheless, her growing reputation as a skilled coach has been solidified with her latest appointment with the Lakers.
Harding joins a small but notable group of women actively coaching in the NBA, including Jenny Boucek with the Pacers, Brittni Donaldson with the Hawks, and Sonia Raman with the Grizzlies. Her pioneering role with the Lakers not only adds to her distinguished career but also represents a significant step forward for the inclusion of women in top-tier basketball coaching roles.
For the Lakers, this new addition comes at a time when the organization is seeking to rebuild and re-strategize after a season that fell short of their championship aspirations. Redick, who himself is transitioning into a major coaching role, is evidently placing trust in former colleagues and seasoned professionals capable of bringing fresh perspectives and robust leadership to the team. Harding's proven track record in player development and team management positions her as a critical asset in this new era for the Lakers.
As Harding takes on this groundbreaking role, she brings with her a legacy of barriers broken and expectations exceeded, promising an exciting and dynamic future both for herself and for the Lakers. The basketball community will undoubtedly be watching closely as she helps to shape the team's fortunes in the upcoming season.