The Lakers wanted to have at least a couple of former NBA head coaches on coach JJ Redick’s first coaching staff.
And the franchise is reportedly close to making that happen.
The Lakers are hiring Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks as the top assistants Redick’s staff, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday morning.
McMillan, who turns 60 in August, was most recently the Atlanta Hawks head coach (2021-23) after being the head coach for the Indiana Pacers (2016-20), Portland Trail Blazers (2005-12) and Seattle SuperSonics (2000-05).
He was also an assistant coach for the SuperSonics (1998-2000), Pacers (2013-16) and Hawks (2020-21) before becoming the head coach for those franchises.
McMillan has a 760-668 all-time regular-season head coaching record. He’s lead his teams to the playoffs 11 times.
A second-round pick for the SuperSonics in 1986, McMillan played his entire 12-season NBA career in Seattle before moving into coaching.
Brooks was the head coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder (2008-15) and Washington Wizards (2021-24) before most recently being the Blazers’ lead assistant under Chauncey Billups.
More to come on this story.
Related Articles
LeBron James to re-sign with Lakers for reported 2-year, $104 million deal
Swanson: Dalton Knecht, Bronny James journey into Lakers’ spotlight
Lakers introduce draft picks, say Bronny James ‘earned’ his spot
California Sports Hall of Fame honors Lakers ‘Iron Man’ A.C. Green and NFL icons Marshall Faulk and Rodney Peete
Lakers agree to new deal to bring back Max Christie as free agency starts off slowly