After hiring JJ Redick about two weeks ago, Jeanie Buss and her Los Angeles Lakers staff were searching for assistant coaches to support him. Well, it was essential to recruit them to utilize the full potential of the current roster since Rob Pelinka has missed several chances this offseason to upgrade and manage their current position. He missed out on Klay Thompson, and then there are other loose ends that we’ll discuss further in the piece. However, the point worth noting is that, finally, JJ Redick might have found the best candidates considering their technical expertise in coaching.

ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski recently confirmed today that Jeanie Buss and the Lakers have hired “Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks as top assistant coaches on JJ Redick’s new staff.” Woj even hailed the combined successful stats of these coaches during their stint as head coaches in the league, summed up to 1,189 victories. Well, there is no doubt both of the recruits have impressive records coaching the league teams and might contribute well to the Lakers. Let’s delve deep into their history a little bit.

Moving to the first, the 59-year-old coach, Nate McMillan led Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals in the year 2021. Moreover, he coached the Portland Trail Blazers during his tenure between 2005 and 2012, teaching the players effort and sacrifice amid chaotic front office ambiance. He joined the Indiana Pacers as an assistant coach in 2013 but got promoted to 2016 as head coach. His first year as head coach was quite challenging since Paul George was traded from the team in June. Still, McMillan drove his team to the playoffs every season, mentoring them as head coach.

Moving to the second Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach, Scott Brooks, the 58-year-old also has a long coaching experience similar to McMillan. He joined Oklahoma City Thunder in 2007 and assumed the title of ‘Coach of the Year’ during the 2009-10 season. He even led the Thunder to the 2012 NBA Finals against the Big Three, also known as ‘The Heatles’ from the Miami Heat. Notably, the Heatles was the nickname of the trio of LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade. Although The Thunder could not stand them and lost with a scoreline of 4-1. It was LeBron’s triple-double in the fifth game that overwhelmed the Thunder and clinched the victory.

However, losses are often better teachers than victories, and Brooks likely learned a lot from that series. All in all, the new recruits to the coaching staff might straighten up the unbalanced Los Angeles Lakers roster in the upcoming season, potentially overshadowing the offseason mistakes.

Rob Pelinka’s irrational decisions and LeBron James’ inconsiderate pay that troubled Los Angeles Lakers

Everyone at the Los Angeles Lakers was quite delighted after they picked up Bronny James for the 55th pick. However, according to the sports journalist Rob Parker, the decision from Rob Pelinka might not have gone well for the league. “I think this is the worst decision that’s ever happened in professional sports, ” Rob spoke his mind on Bronny James’ pick while appearing on ‘Fox Sports Radio.’ The 60-year-old highlighted how Pelinka’s decision has changed the essence of the game: competition. As per Parker, the deserving should have got that role. However, it was just like, “Some guy got his son a spot on the team.”

Rob further discussed how LeBron might have opened a “Pandora’s Box,” leaving a hole in his legacy. Whatever the Lakers star has done might have passed the wrong message to the upcoming generation. Apparently, Parker was not wrong here, as Bronny’s performance was not that good at college last season. However, he performed exactly at the NBA draft, where he knew eyes would be on him. On top of that, his physical disadvantage in comparison to league players is evident. That’s why Rob Parker was quite pi**ed on Pelinka for his take on Bronny.

In addition to the unnecessary selection, the recent deal of the Los Angeles Lakers front office with LeBron James has put them $12 million above the first apron and $1 million above the second apron. Apparently, they don’t have any mid-level exceptions, which was James’s target from the start. Reportedly, he has signed a $104 million two-year max contract with the team. The offseason is still on, and the Lakers have not found their third star. LeBron could have waited a little longer for Rob Pelinka and the front office to pull off some moves. However, that did not happen, and now Redick has to make the best of the current roster.

Considering the current picture at the Los Angeles Lakers, hope lies in the coaching department. They have their 17th pick, and it’s like a gamble. If their rookie performs like a star on the court, a playoff run might not be a dream. However, another downfall during the next season might bring chaos to the Lakers as well.

But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe.