For weeks after Darvin Ham’s firing, we pretended to be in suspense as if it wasn’t obvious the Lakers were going to pick their first choice for coach. JJ Redick was the unconventional head coach choice everyone saw coming. His staff though was not as predictable. After much anticipation, the Lakers have announced their coaching staff, and it’s clear they’ve opted for a blend of experience and fresh perspectives. Naturally, fans have had a lot to say about the new lineup.

It was the names that were skipped that really got fans’ gears grinding. Retired Lakers star Rajon Rondo’s name was floated around a lot alongside Redick’s. LeBron James hinted that Rondo could make an excellent coach, and Rondo was also open to transitioning to a new role.

Instead, the Lakers named Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, Bob Beyer, Greg St. Jean, Lindsey Harding, and Beau Levesque as assistant coaches. Michael Wexler is the head video coordinator.

“Through an intentional and thorough process, we’ve brought together an experienced, diverse, and dedicated coaching staff,” Redick said in a statement. He laid out his expectations for his staff – “ensure success at the highest level.” From all perspectives, it’s not a bad roster at all. McMillan’s 18 years of experience, most recently as Hawks head coach, is the perfect balance for rookie head coach Redick. Brooks and Beyer also have over a decade of experience.

St. Jean has experience working for the Lakers, while Harding is making history as the first female assistant coach for the franchise. Levesque worked for the crosstown rivals, the Clippers, before joining the Lakers. But apart from St. Jean, there is no returning staff, including Phil Handy.

The Lakers let the longtime assistant coach go when they fired Ham. According to reports last month, the team wanted him back on Redick’s staff, but he turned them down after being overlooked for the head coaching position twice in a row.

Handy and Rondo are conspicuous by their absence. Fans were especially sure that Rondo would complement Redick given his experience with the organization as a player. So once again, the snubs are taking center stage.

LakersNation isn’t satisfied

It’s unclear whether Rondo was approached or if his candidacy was nothing more than speculation. But fans also note that among the veteran support for Redick, there isn’t enough experience with the Lakers organization itself. Rondo and Handy would have brought that experience, which made one fan say, “No Rondo or Handy is criminal.”

Rondo is one of the best ball handlers in the history of the league and works well with players. Most NBA pros wouldn’t be averse to working under him. Fans would have loved his return to the court in this capacity. But the decision to leave him out elicited enraged cries of, “Where. The. F**k. Is. Rajon. Rondo.”

This rebuild also marks the end of an era for the organization. Phil Handy was in player development from 2011 to 2013, worked for the Cavs and Raptors, and returned to LA in 2019. He’s got three championships to his credit as an assistant, and it should have been his time to shine. Picking others over him prompted opinions like, “Y’all really hired Levesque from the Clippers who hasn’t developed anyone, instead of bringing Phil Handy back smh.” 

Fans expressed mixed feelings like, “Assembled a pretty great coaching staff. HEAVILY depressed this officially ends the Phil Handy era.” However, some suggest Handy is better suited elsewhere.

We don’t know what it would’ve been with Rondo on the floor, but Handy’s absence will be palpable. Lakers Nation nonetheless is grateful for the years he dedicated to the team. “No Phil Handy is wild for the #Lakers coaching staff. It has nothing to do with X’s and O’s. The players loved working with and actually helped develop players on this current team (Rui being the main example of this) Team is going to miss not having him #LakeShow #NBAX.”

Now it remains to be seen if this rebuild actually works, or if Redick will stutter under the weight of inexperience.

Stay tuned for more updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.