The Los Angeles Lakers are making history with their recent hiring of Lindsey Harding as an assistant coach, marking the first time a woman has joined the Lakers' coaching staff. Harding, a trailblazer in her own right, comes to Los Angeles with an impressive resume and a well-established pedigree in the basketball world.
A Historic Appointment
Harding’s appointment is a significant milestone for the Lakers and the NBA as a whole. She joins an elite group of women currently coaching in the league, including Jenny Boucek of the Indiana Pacers, Brittni Donaldson with the Atlanta Hawks, and Sonia Raman of the Memphis Grizzlies. Her hiring underscores the continuing progress towards greater diversity and inclusion in the sport.
Success in the G League
Before joining the Lakers, Harding showcased her coaching acumen with the Stockton Kings, the G League affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. Under her leadership, the Stockton Kings clinched the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and made it to the semifinals of the G League playoffs. Her efforts did not go unnoticed, earning her the G League Coach of the Year honors last season.
In 2019, Harding was brought on as an assistant coach by the Sacramento Kings, cementing her place in NBA history as the first black woman to hold a full-time scouting position with the Philadelphia 76ers. Additionally, she served as a player development coach with the 76ers, further broadening her expertise in coaching and player management.
A Storied Playing Career
Harding’s basketball journey began long before her coaching days. At Duke University, she played alongside JJ Redick from 2002 to 2006, creating a lasting connection that would resurface years later. In 2007, Harding's skill on the court earned her the prestigious Naismith Player of the Year award and she was the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft that same year.
During her nine-season tenure in the WNBA, Harding played for six different teams and gained international experience, most notably in Turkey. Her rich playing career laid a strong foundation for her subsequent transition into coaching and development roles after her retirement in 2017. She took on roles with the South Sudan women's national team and currently serves as the head coach of Mexico’s women's national team.
Connections and New Beginnings
Harding's path crossed with Redick’s once again in Philadelphia, where Redick played for the 76ers while Harding worked as a player development coach. Their shared history from Duke to the professional realm has now led to their collaboration on JJ Redick's staff with the Lakers. Redick is assembling his coaching team with a mix of seasoned veterans and familiar faces, including Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, and Greg St. Jean.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The Lakers face a season of high expectations and challenges following an early playoff exit last season. Harding’s addition to the coaching staff brings a wealth of experience, innovative strategies, and a proven track record of success at various levels of the sport. Her journey from a premier player to a recognized coach embodies resilience and dedication, characteristics that will surely benefit the Lakers as they seek redemption in the upcoming season.
Earlier this year, Harding was also a candidate for the Charlotte Hornets' head coaching position, but the opportunity went to Charles Lee. Nevertheless, her growing reputation in the coaching world continues to open doors, and her move to the Lakers is a testament to her rising star in NBA coaching circles.
As Harding steps into her new role, the basketball community will be watching closely, eager to see how her innovative coaching techniques and player development skills will contribute to the Lakers' success. Her historic appointment not only marks a personal achievement but also represents a broader shift towards embracing diverse leadership within the NBA.