Ballerific Women: Lindsey Harding Joins J.J. Reddick’s Coaching Staff with the Los Angeles Lakers

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that NBA G League Coach of the Year, Lindsey Harding, will be heading to Los Angeles to join J.J. Reddick‘s staff. Harding makes history as the first female assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. Reddick adds Harding, who was drafted number one overall in the 2007 WNBA draft after an illustrious career at Duke.

Reddick and Harding were at Duke together from 2002-2006. They also worked together when Reddick was a player for the Philadelphia 76ers. Harding joins an experienced staff that includes former NBA head coaches Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks. First-year head coach Reddick will have many eyes on him as a 40-year-old LeBron James attempts to achieve the unthinkable: winning his fifth championship and second with the team from Los Angeles.

Harding played nine seasons in the WNBA before retiring in 2017. She was the first Black woman to become a full-time scout for the Philadelphia 76ers. Later, she became a player development coach for the organization before being hired as an assistant coach for the Sacramento Kings in 2019.

She also interviewed for the Charlotte Hornets head coaching job earlier this year. Now, she has found a new home as she continues to make history. The 2007 Naismith Player of the Year led the Stockton Kings to a 24-10 regular season record. She has also coached on the international level, leading the Mexican women’s national team since 2022 and previously holding the same role for South Sudan.