G League Coach of the Year Lindsey Harding has agreed to join the Los Angeles Lakers as an assistant coach on JJ Redick’s staff, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
A former No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury, Harding played nine seasons in the league from 2007-16. She’s since worked as an assistant and player development coach for the Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings before taking over as head coach of the G League’s Stockton Kings last season. She led the Kings to the Western Conference finals and was named the G League Coach of the Year.
Harding, 39, played four seasons at Duke from 2002-07, a college career that coincided with Redick’s at Duke. Harding and Redick also worked together in Philadelphia when Redick played for the 76ers late in his playing career.
Redick, 40, joined the Lakers as head coach in June in his first role as a coach at any level beyond his son’s youth team. He’s since filled his coaching staff with experienced coaches who have NBA head coaching experience in Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks and Garry St. Jean.
In Harding, Redick adds a rising star and a longtime trusted confidante.