JJ Redick, in his inaugural season as head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, successfully guided the team to a third seed in the Western Conference amidst challenges. While praised for his leadership, there's room for improvement. An interesting suggestion has emerged: hiring Tom Thibodeau as an assistant coach. Thibodeau, recently dismissed from the New York Knicks, has a storied history in coaching, known for his ability to build strong defensive teams, particularly during his time with the Boston Celtics. His experience could provide invaluable support to Redick as he navigates his coaching journey.

As the Lakers look to solidify their coaching staff, bringing in a seasoned strategist like Thibodeau could enhance their chances for success in the highly competitive Western Conference. His defensive acumen and extensive playoff experience can help the Lakers refine their game and deepen their playoff runs. With Redick still finding his footing as a head coach, this move could prove pivotal.

The Los Angeles Lakers concluded the 2024-25 NBA season with a notable 50-32 record, claiming the Pacific Division title under the new guidance of head coach JJ Redick—marking a significant turnaround since their last division win in 2020. The team boasted a powerful offense, featuring superstars LeBron James and Luka Dončić, acquired midseason. However, despite these strengths, the Lakers faced an unexpected early playoff exit, being upset 1-4 by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.

Off the court, a major shift occurred as the Buss family agreed to sell majority ownership of the Lakers to Mark Walter, CEO of TWG Global Holdings. Jeanie Buss will retain her position in basketball operations, ensuring continuity in leadership as the franchise transitions to a new era under Walter's financially backed stewardship. Walter's investment history includes ownership stakes in several prominent sports franchises, indicating a strategic shift aimed at enhancing the Lakers' brand and competitive viability.

Rui Hachimura has solidified his role as a crucial asset for the Los Angeles Lakers, especially following his trade from the Washington Wizards. This season saw him averaging 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds while showcasing impressive shooting stats, including 41.3% from three-point range. Under new head coach JJ Redick, Hachimura was expected to play a more aggressive role, particularly in offensive rebounding and creating scoring opportunities off the ball.

Despite some ups and downs, including a knee injury that sidelined him temporarily, Hachimura has emerged as a pivotal player for the Lakers. His performance directly influenced the team’s success; when he took 10 or more shots per game, the Lakers excelled with a 22-7 record. However, he also faces competition for shots on a star-studded roster, which complicates his offensive role moving forward.