After assessing multiple candidates and analyzing all the possible combinations, the Lakers have finalized JJ Redick’s coaching staff for next season. Along with the hiring of 6 assistant coaches highlighted by Scott Brooks and Nate McMillan, they also added Michael Wexler as the new head video coordinator. But who is Michael Wexler? Some from Pepperdine might know him as a ‘scholar-athlete’ after earning the WCC Commissioner’s ‘bronze’ honors. How can his experience help the Lakers? Let’s dive in.

Michael Wexler’s personal details and basketball journey

While his family hailed from Minnesota, Michael was born in Plymouth to parents Carol and Steve Wexler. Sure enough, he caught the basketball bug early in life and joined Minnesota’s Benilde-St. Margaret’s School, where he played three years of varsity ball. After graduating in 2017, Michael had an impressive stint as he averaged over 8 points and 6 assists as a senior.

Like every parent’s dream, he was also a highly academic kid, being on the honor roll all 4 years, graduating summa cum laude.

With a versatile skillset, Wexler chose Pepperdine University as his next stop. After getting red-shirted in his freshman year, he continued his basketball journey as the point guard for the Waves. However, his game did not transition well at the college level. He only played 12 games in total through the final three years of college, finishing with an underwhelming average of 0.2 points with his first career basket coming in the final game of his senior year!

Michael realized that he would not become a pro athlete, however, his basketball journey was only just beginning.

Michael Wexler’s NBA career as a video coordinator and coach

After getting a degree in business administration, Michael became the graduate manager for the Pepperdine Men’s basketball team. And that’s where he would finally find his calling, as he became the team’s video coordinator during the 2021-22 season. That’s when he sprung himself into the spotlight and, impressed by his work, the Houston Rockets offered Michael a role as a video associate, assisting the Head of Player Development, the following year.

His career has taken off ever since. Michael went on to join Minnesota Lynx as their head video coordinator. He soon transitioned back to the NBA. He was appointed the coaching associate for the Phoenix Suns last season. And finally, this diverse experience has brought him to the bright lights of LA, as he will take over the Head Video Coordinator responsibility for the Lakers.

JJ Redick has complete faith in his new staff including Michael Wexler, “Our goal from day one is about fostering a high-performing environment of player development and team alignment through relentless work, daily collaboration, and innovation… The expectations are clear, and my staff and I are committed to doing everything we need to do to ensure success at the highest level.”

With the modernization of the tactical aspect of the game, having someone experienced in analyzing the tapes will play a key role in every team’s success and Laker Nation would more than be happy to welcome him to assist JJ Redick in his coaching debut.

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger