The Los Angeles Lakers are coming into this 2024-25 season with several new additions to the team. Although facing criticism for not attempting any major moves for All-Star caliber players, the Lakers find themselves with an entirely overhauled coaching staff. After two years of loathing and dissatisfaction expressed by fans, former head coach Darvin Ham has been fired by the organization alongside his entire coaching staff. This group included assistant coach Phil Handy, who served as the Lakers assistant coach for five years and also worked with LeBron James during his second stretch with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
With the entire coaching staff gone, fans speculated who the new Lakers head coach would be. There were rumors that retired NBA player and two-time champion Rajon Rondo might step up for the job. However, on June 20, 2024, the Lakers hired JJ Redick as their new head coach. With zero coaching experience beyond coaching his sons in youth leagues, fans are excited yet skeptical about this decision. Although Redick has no formal coaching experience, he brings fifteen years of NBA playing experience, known for his shooting skills and high basketball IQ. Yet, fans like Atticus Li ’26 wonder how the season will unfold under Redick’s leadership.
“I would say JJ Redick is a high risk-high reward type of hire. With no previous coaching experience but the mindset of an athlete who has been through it all, JJ Redick better not fail us like Darvin Ham did,” said Li.
Lakers fans around the world will have their eyes on Redick’s every decision as head coach, hoping to avoid a repeat of past disappointments. In addition to a revamped coaching staff, the team selected two rookies from the 2024 draft class. With the 17th overall pick, the Lakers selected Dalton Knecht from the University of Tennessee. Yet, the historical attention was on their 55th pick—Bronny James, son of LeBron James, from the University of Southern California. This father-son duo marked an NBA first, but it also left some fans questioning the Lakers’ decision-making. With the preseason already over and the regular season underway, fans and basketball-loving Cubs have seen previews of Knecht and James Jr.’s potential.
“Bronny has to deal with a lot of hype around him and his father. He seems like he’s trying to do too much on the court and needs to slow down and focus on his game. Dalton seems very skilled, especially after scoring 35 points in a preseason game. Even though everyone’s eyes are on Bronny, I believe Dalton will be good as well,” said Renn Burke ’27.
After an uneventful offseason, the Lakers are still showing drastic improvements in their game. From drafting key role player Dalton Knecht and rising star Bronny James, the Lakers have started the season with their first 3-0 start in 13 years. New coach JJ Redick seems to be making the right decisions, significantly benefitting the team. Although the season has just begun, the Lakers are on the right track, with hopes high for a successful year ahead.
