Lindsey Harding is set to join JJ Redick’s coaching staff with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to a person familiar with the decision who spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday.
This source requested anonymity as the Lakers have not yet publicly announced Redick’s inaugural coaching staff, which will also feature former NBA head coaches Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks. Harding will become the first female assistant coach in the history of the 17-time NBA champion team.
At 40 years old, Harding was honored as the G League’s Coach of the Year last season while leading the Stockton Kings, marking the first time a woman has received this award. Previously, Harding served as an assistant coach, player development coach, and scout for the Sacramento Kings and Philadelphia 76ers. She was the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft and has a distinguished background in both playing and coaching.
Harding and Redick have maintained a close relationship since their college days at Duke, where they were both standout athletes over the same four-year period. Harding was named the Naismith College Player of the Year in 2007 before embarking on a nine-year WNBA career, which included two seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks.
Under Harding’s leadership, the Stockton Kings posted a 24-10 record and advanced to the G League’s conference finals last season.
ESPN, Redick’s former employer, was the first to report Harding’s addition to the Lakers’ coaching staff.
