The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping their change in leadership results in improved performances in the 2024-25 season. The Lakers have hired former player and analyst JJ Redick as their new head coach following the departure of Darvin Ham. Redick is looking to build a staff that can help him and Los Angeles get over the hump, and one assistant in his sights is Anthony Davis’ former New Orleans Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry.
Los Angeles is reportedly interested in adding Gentry to their coaching staff, according to Brad Turner.
Alvin Gentry has more than 30 years of coaching experience in various NBA roles. In 2015, he became head coach of the Pelicans and played an important role in helping Anthony Davis continue his professional development.
Gentry went 175-225 during his five-season tenure with New Orleans. He leaves with the second most wins in franchise history behind Byron Scott. Additionally, Gentry is the only Pelicans coach with a winning postseason record (5-4).
Gentry’s time with New Orleans was greatly enhanced by Anthony Davis, who spent the first seven years of his career with the franchise. Davis saw some of his best offensive production under Gentry from 2016 to 2018. During the 2016-17 season, Davis improved to 28.0 points per game after averaging 24.0 points per game. 3 a season earlier. The star forward then posted a career high of 28.1 points per game and shot 34.0% from 3-point range in the 2017-18 season.
Alvin Gentry’s Pelicans were effective on offense. His extensive experience could aid JJ Redick and help take the Lakers to the next level.
The Lakers look to make the leap in 2024-25
Los Angeles finished the 2024-25 season with a 47-35 record, which placed them seventh in the Western Conference standings. As a result, they were forced to enter the NBA Playoffs through the Play-In tournament. After defeating the New Orleans Pelicans, the Lakers earned the seventh seed and faced the former champion Denver Nuggets. However, LA lost in 5 games, causing their match to end early.
Shortly after, the Lakers parted ways with Darvin Ham, who joined the team in 2022. LA is now led by JJ Redick. The former sharpshooter has an important connection on the team: LeBron James. James and Redick co-host a podcast called “Mind the Game,” where viewers can dig deeper into their high-IQ basketball minds.
Speaking of which, if there’s one thing Redick brings to the elite level it’s his knowledge of the game. Redick has more than 19 years of experience playing in the NBA and is one of the best 3-point shooters in the league. In addition, he also takes on the role of a sports broadcaster specializing in sharing many different basketball perspectives.
His experience as a player and analyst will serve the Lakers well. However, his lack of coaching experience is an obvious concern. UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma made an intriguing point seemingly aimed at Redick while Dan Hurley was being considered for the Lakers job.
“You know, it’s really funny because I happened to be in a relationship with him [the night before news of him being considered broke]. And I don’t know what’s going on, where [his Lakers coaching candidate is]. But I just leaned over and said, ‘I think you can win more championships with the Lakers, more than a guy who’s never coached,’ Auriemma said, via the Dan Patrick Show.
Despite the doubters, Redick wants to prove that he and the Lakers have what it takes to succeed in the 2024-25 season.