Lakers Hire Lindsey Harding, NBA's First Female Assistant Coach

Lindsey Harding will be joining the Los Angeles Lakers as an assistant coach, making her the first female to hold this position for the 17-time NBA champions. Harding, 40, will be part of JJ Redick's coaching staff, which includes former NBA head coaches Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks.

The information comes from a person familiar with the decision who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Lakers have not yet announced Redick's full coaching team.

Last season, Harding was named G League Coach of the Year with the Stockton Kings, becoming the first woman to earn this distinction. She led the Stockton Kings to a 24-10 record and a spot in the conference finals. Harding has also served as an assistant coach, player development coach, and scout for the Sacramento Kings and Philadelphia 76ers.

Harding and Redick have a longstanding connection, both having played at Duke University during the same four years. Harding was the Naismith College Player of the Year in 2007 and had a nine-year career in the WNBA, including two seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks.

ESPN, Redick's former employer, was the first to report Harding's addition to the Lakers.