The Lakers have officially announced JJ Redick’s coaching staff. Among the diversity of names on the new list, let’s just take a quick look at the men and ‘woman’ who will be responsible for rewriting Purple & Gold’s forgettable 2023-24 narrative. Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, Bob Beyer, Greg St. Jean, Lindsey Harding, and Beau Levesque join JJ as assistant coaches while Michael Wexler was named the head video coordinator.

For this story, we’ll focus on none other than the first woman to be named the G League Coach of the Year – Lindsey Harding. By now, everyone is aware that the ex-Stockton Kings head coach has an impressive resume. From her playing years to her coaching days, Harding has been a trailblazer. And it includes a few firsts too.

Where is Lindsey Harding from?

Lindsey Marcie Harding was born on June 12, 1984, in Mobile, Alabama, to supportive parents, Michael Harding and Lillian Andrews. Growing up, she shared a close bond with her younger brother, Michael, and her sister, Morgan. At college, Lindsey embraced a diverse range of interests. She majored in sociology, but her curiosity didn’t stop there. She also earned a certificate in markets and management, adding depth with minors in theater and women’s studies.

JJ Redick and Lindsey Harding’s connection

Lindsey Harding and JJ Redick go way back. Their connection traces back to their college days at Duke, where their time on campus overlapped in the early 2000s. Now, both are rising names in the NBA world. Harding is carving her path as a coach, while Redick steps into a new role in coaching. Their shared history doesn’t stop at Duke, either. Years later, they reconnected on Doc Rivers’ staff in Philadelphia when Redick played for the 76ers.

As Redick builds his coaching team, he’s gathered seasoned names like Brooks and McMillan. But having Harding by his side brings something unique. Their trust and shared experiences give Redick a reliable ally as he embarks on his NBA coaching journey.

Lindsey’s achievements at Duke

At Duke, Lindsey Harding made a name for herself as one of the best in women’s college basketball. She became Duke’s second-ever National Player of the Year, earning the prestigious Naismith honor. Known for her tenacious defense, she also took home the first-ever WBCA National Defensive Player of the Year award. Lindsey’s speed and skill on the court set her apart, quickly establishing her as a top point guard and one of the nation’s most feared defenders. Often, she guarded the opponent’s biggest scoring threat, a role she embraced fiercely. Though she faced a setback in 2004-05 due to a team rules violation, she came back stronger, leaving an unforgettable legacy at Duke.

Career note:

Lindsey Harding made history at Duke. She became the first Duke player to be picked No. 1 in the WNBA Draft, selected by the Phoenix Mercury before being traded to the Minnesota Lynx. She joined an elite group as only the second Duke player after Alana Beard and the sixth ACC player to reach over 1,000 points, 500 assists, 500 rebounds, and 250 steals.

Her shooting stats tell a story of growth. In her first two years, Harding struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 8 of 42 three-pointers (19.1%). But by her junior year, she shot an impressive 41.1%, hitting 23 of 56 attempts. As a senior, she maintained her accuracy, shooting 38.1% by sinking 24 of 63 threes. Over her last two years, she nailed 47 of 119 treys, with a strong 39.5% average.

Across 140 games, Harding showed remarkable consistency and control, ending with a 1.96 assist-to-turnover ratio. She also achieved a memorable double-double as a sophomore, recording 10 rebounds and 11 assists in one game.

Coaching career

Lindsey Harding’s coaching career has been one of steady growth and historic achievements. She started in 2018 as a player development coach and scout with the Philadelphia 76ers, diving into the NBA coaching world with an eye for talent and development.

By 2019, she joined the Sacramento Kings, where she spent four seasons as an assistant and player development coach. Her role grew, and by 2022, she was promoted to a full-time assistant coach, a testament to her impact on the team.

Then came a career-defining move. On June 20, 2023, Harding was named head coach of the Stockton Kings in the NBA G League. She led the team to an impressive 24–10 record, securing the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. Her leadership was unmatched, and her efforts earned her the NBA G League Coach of the Year award. This recognition marked two significant milestones—she was the first head coach in Stockton Kings history to win it and the first woman ever to receive the honor.

Her journey didn’t stop there. In July 2024, Harding took another big step as she joined the Los Angeles Lakers as an assistant coach, adding her expertise and historic achievements to one of the league’s most iconic teams.

As she points out in her statement above, there’s still work to be done concerning women in sports. These women are working hard, sure. But it’s up to those in the decision-making roles to ensure that hard work pays off. And fortunately or unfortunately, the majority in that position are men. Given Harding’s history of firsts and the fact that she does have the goal of headlining an NBA team as the head coach, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if it happens in the foreseeable future.

And what better introduction to the male-dominated league than through the storied Lakers franchise, which, by the way, is run by a woman?

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.