Lindsey Harding set to become first female assistant coach in NBA: Reports

Lindsey Harding will join JJ Redick's coaching staff with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to reports. The individual spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Lakers have yet to formally identify Redick's initial coaching team, which also includes former NBA head coaches Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks. Harding will become the 17-time NBA champion team's first female assistant coach.

Last season, Harding, 40, was named the G League's coach of the year with the Stockton Kings, making her the first woman to get the honour. The former No. 1 overall WNBA draft pick previously worked as an assistant coach, player development coach, and scout for the Sacramento Kings and the Philadelphia 76ers.

During the 2007 WNBA draft, she was picked by the Phoenix Mercury. During her time in the WNBA, she played for the Minnesota Lynx, Atlanta Dream, Las Vegas Aces and Washington Mystics. She played WNBA for nine years. She ended her WNBA career and entered the coaching ranks. In 2019, she joined the Kings as an assistant coach following her tenure in Philadelphia.

From their time as Duke's four-year collegiate stars, Harding and J.J.Redick have been close. Before starting her nine-year WNBA career, which included two seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks, Harding was named the 2007 Naismith College Player of the Year.

Lindsey Harding won Coach of the Year award

The previous season, Harding's Stockton Kings finished 24-10 and advanced to the G League conference finals. Harding's signing with the Los Angeles Lakers was initially announced by Redick's previous employer. 

Earlier in the summer, she went to Charlotte for an interview to become the head coach. Harding will join the four women who now work for the league as assistant coaches. Lindsey Harding also became the first Back female to become head coach of Stockton Kings in G League’s history. She also won the Coach of the Year award.

This year Los Angeles Lakers have a good supporting staff which includes, Scott Brooks, Nate McMillian, and Greg St. Jean. Former coach of Orlando City Thunder Bob Beyer is also set to sign.