LeBron James has played a significant role in shaping the Los Angeles Lakers‘ recent coaching landscape, particularly during the hiring of JJ Redick as head coach in 2025. While the Lakers have begun to lean on Luka Doncic for leadership following a change in ownership and recruitment strategy, it was LeBron who held considerable influence during a transitional period for the franchise. His impact extended beyond the court, aiding a rookie head coach to succeed in the highly competitive Western Conference.
As the Lakers introduced JJ Redick as their new head coach, many questioned whether LeBron James had swayed the decision and how the team would fare under a leader without prior head coaching experience. Although official sources dismiss James’ direct influence on the hiring decision, the season’s results strongly validated Redick’s appointment. The Lakers concluded the campaign with a 50-32 record, placing third in the West—their second 50-win season in 14 years—owing much to the experienced coaching staff Redick assembled with the help of LeBron.
LeBron’s Role in Securing Veteran Assistant Coaches
One of the most critical aspects of JJ Redick’s success as a first-time head coach was surrounding himself with knowledgeable and seasoned assistants. This was made possible in part through LeBron’s involvement, particularly in recruiting Nate McMillan, a highly respected <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA figure with nearly two decades of head coaching experience.
Assistant coach Nate McMillan, who had been coaching with the Pelicans alongside his son Jamelle, shared how the Lakers’ new head coach called him seeking experienced support.
“When the Lakers come calling, you’re going to listen,”
McMillan said, highlighting the gravity of the opportunity. However, McMillan was hesitant and set one condition before accepting the role: he wanted to speak with LeBron James first.
McMillan explained,
“I called JJ back, and I told him, I said, ‘Look, I want to really consider this, but there’s one more phone call that needs to be made. And that was LeBron.”
After LeBron contacted him, McMillan felt reassured.
“He talked about the opportunity to come in and, you know, he from afar, he has always respected and wanted an opportunity to work with me,”
McMillan recalled, underscoring LeBron’s far-reaching influence behind the scenes.
Before joining the Lakers, McMillan was already a reputable figure in the NBA, with a rich playing and coaching history, chiefly noted for his tenure with the Seattle Supersonics. His nickname “Mr. Sonic” reflects his 19 years associated with the franchise, both as a player and as a head coach, bringing a wealth of experience to Redick’s coaching team.
JJ Redick’s Strategy to Build a High-Quality Coaching Team
Despite being a rookie as head coach, JJ Redick’s campaign with the Lakers proved highly successful. The 50-32 record and third-place finish in the Western Conference marked significant milestones for the franchise. Redick attributed much of this success to the experienced coaching personnel he carefully assembled before and during his first season.
Reflecting on his staff, Redick expressed excitement about working alongside veterans in the gym every day.
“I’m mostly excited just to work, just being in the gym out here in this facility with the guys and our coaching staff. That’s been the best part…”
he said, emphasizing the value of daily collaboration and experience.
Redick identified key veteran assistants on his team, stating,
“Obviously, Nate (McMillan) and Scotty (Brooks), but also Bob Beyer, who has been at the front of the bench for almost two decades in the NBA. The biggest thing for me was I wanted to make sure I had a bunch of sickos on my staff, and I think I’ve accomplished that. They’re grinders.”
His determination to gather a strong, experienced backroom team underscored his commitment to overcoming the challenges of his first head coaching role.
How Connections and Respect Helped Secure Top Talent
Redick’s efforts to recruit McMillan demonstrated a relentless pursuit of experience, including reaching out to legendary figures in basketball. McMillan recounted a notable phone call from Coach Mike Krzyzewski, a key endorsement for his fit with the Lakers.
“Shortly after that, I get another phone call, and it’s Coach K,”
McMillan remembered.
He detailed the significance of the call:
“Coach K and I worked together of course, with the Olympic team in 2008 and through 2012, and he knew what I was about. He felt that I was a really good fit and could help JJ, and you know, I got a great deal of respect for Coach K.”
This backing, combined with LeBron James’ support, created a compelling case for McMillan’s addition to the Lakers’ coaching staff.
LeBron James’ role in encouraging and facilitating these connections helped Redick assemble a coaching team capable of guiding the Lakers to a successful season despite Redick’s inexperience as head coach.
LeBron James’ Evolving Leadership Role Within the Lakers
The hiring of JJ Redick and the team’s strong showing in the Western Conference signal a new era for the Lakers, where leadership responsibilities are gradually shifting toward younger stars like Luka Doncic. However, LeBron James remains a central figure in the franchise’s direction, not only on the court but also in mentoring and shaping the team’s strategic decisions.
LeBron’s instrumental role in the recruitment and support of the coaching staff illustrates his ongoing influence, reflecting his dedication to the Lakers’ success beyond his playing career. This balance of veteran leadership and emerging talent points to a hopeful future for the team, blending experience with fresh energy as they pursue championship goals.
As the Lakers continue to build on this foundation, LeBron’s coaching influence could remain a vital factor in maintaining stability and cultivating winning culture during transitions, even as new stars rise to prominence.