JJ Redick and the Los Angeles Lakers recently finalized their coaching staff. The head coach and the rest of the organization proudly welcome Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, Bob Beyer, Greg St. Jean, Lindsey Harding, and Beau Levesque. With a star-studded coaching lineup, Redick has set the bar high for his team. As per Lakers reporter Ryan Ward, Redick spoke about the thought process behind the hires and the expectations from the side ahead of the next season:

“Through an intentional and thorough process, we’ve brought together an experienced, diverse, and dedicated coaching staff. Our goal from day one is to foster a high-performing environment of player development and team alignment through relentless work, daily collaboration, and innovation.”

“Players and staff are here to enjoy the pursuit of excellence every time they step on the court. The expectations are clear, and my staff and I are committed to doing everything necessary to ensure success at the highest level.”

Over the summer, the Lakers underwent an overhaul in coaching staff with the arrival of the new head coach Redick. This was because ex-coach Darvin Ham and the rest of his coaching staff failed to deliver in the last couple of seasons. With that in mind, the Lakers organization needed a fresh coat of paint.

Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, and Lindsey Harding are the most notable names in this lineup. Brooks and McMillan, in particular, are tenured when it comes to coaching teams given their various head coaching stints over the years.

As for Harding, she was one of the best players to ever step foot in the WNBA during her time in the league. Now with her assistant coaching experience with the Sacramento Kings, she’s ready to take it to the next level with the Lakers.

The Lakers have yet to make substantial moves on the trade front, but the coaching staff looks equipped as they come with experience and potential. The franchise has taken a punt with a first-time head coach but remains optimistic about how LA will fare this season while keeping an eye out for the future.

What Are The Realistic Expectations For JJ Redick?

As the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, JJ Redick faces immense pressure, with the ultimate goal being to win an NBA championship. However, given the current state of the Lakers’ roster and recent performance, setting realistic expectations is crucial.

The Lakers have finished as the 7th seed in the Western Conference in each of the last two seasons. They made it to the Conference Finals once and were knocked out in the first round the other time, both by the Denver Nuggets. Considering this, a balanced perspective on Redick’s first season is necessary.

The Lakers boast two of the top 10 players in the world in Anthony Davis and LeBron James. This dynamic duo gives them a competitive edge that few teams can match. However, the rest of the squad is average, which poses a challenge for any head coach, let alone a first-time one like Redick.

Realistically, the expectations for JJ Redick should be to secure a top-six seed in the Western Conference. This would guarantee the Lakers a direct spot in the playoffs, avoiding the play-in tournament and ensuring a more favorable path in the postseason. Achieving this would signify a significant improvement and stability under Redick’s leadership.

Additionally, reaching at least the second round of the playoffs should be a minimum goal. This would demonstrate that the team is making progress and building towards a deeper playoff run in the future. Redick’s ability to navigate the pressures of playoff basketball and make strategic adjustments will be crucial in achieving this milestone.

Furthermore, defending the In-Season tournament title should be another objective. While not as prestigious as an NBA championship, winning the In-Season tournament can build momentum and confidence for the team. It also provides Redick with valuable experience in high-stakes situations, which will be beneficial for his growth as a coach.

While winning a championship is the ultimate goal, the realistic expectations for JJ Redick in his first season as the Lakers’ head coach should include securing a top-six seed in the Western Conference, reaching at least the second round of the playoffs, and making a strong effort to defend the In-Season tournament title. These objectives will set a solid foundation for the future and demonstrate that the team is moving in the right direction under Redick’s leadership.