First Ever Time Coaching to Coach of the Year?
Through the first 58 games last season, the Los Angeles Lakers had a record of 31-27 and were in ninth place in the standings. For the most part of that season, the Lakers were battling for a Play-In Tournament spot under head coach Darvin Ham. Ultimately, after a 4-1 first round series loss to the Denver Nuggets, the Lakers let go of Ham. After pursuing multiple candidates, the Lakers settled on taking a gamble on former NBA player and media figure JJ Redick to lead their team in the 2024-2025 season.
The Lakers and Redick took a lot of heat for the pairing. Redick had no prior professional coaching experience, but his high IQ for the game was fully on display through podcasts and broadcasting NBA games. During Redick’s first 58 games of coaching, he has the Lakers absolutely buzzing in the Western Conference with a 37-21 record. This comes with all of the turnover the roster has had to endure during this season. From the Lakers’ first game of the year to now, the team has gotten rid of five players while adding seven new players. This is more impressive considering that the Lakers are 17-4 since January 15th and the shocking trade for Luka Dončić, that caused this big roster turnover, happened on February 1st.
Redick has built a very strong and convincing case to be the NBA Head Coach of the Year. The Lakers are expected to finish within the top five of the Western Conference standings and so far have had a six-win increase from last season. What is most impressive about Redick and the Lakers is how good the team is playing defensively, especially as of late. During this hot 21-game stretch, the Lakers have posted the best defensive rating throughout the league. Also, the Lakers have held opposing teams to less than 105 points in 11 out of the 21 games. Since Anthony Davis’ departure, the Lakers defense has not diminished one bit as the team has held opponents to 100 or less points in four games.
The pairing of Doncic and LeBron James has been a sight to see. The rotations that Redick has been leaning on are working. Redick must be a serious candidate for Coach of the Year. What he has done in his first ever coaching job is truly remarkable. The Lakers look to continue their hot streak under Redick tomorrow against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena at 6:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
