In an unexpected move, the Los Angeles Lakers have decided to make significant changes to their coaching staff heading into the 2024-25 NBA season. After two seasons, Darvin Ham was fired as the head coach, along with the entire assistant coaching staff, including beloved figure Phil Handy, who had won the hearts of both players and fans alike.

The search for a new head coach is currently underway, with the Lakers reportedly "zeroing in" on former NBA player JJ Redick. While the final decision is yet to be made, it is being speculated that the Lakers are keen on ensuring that Redick has a strong supporting staff in place to guide him in his first coaching role.

According to Dan Woike of the LA Times, the Lakers' front office is expected to play a more active role in the selection of assistant coaches, a departure from the previous coaching regime. Woike also hinted that the team is willing to allocate more financial resources towards strengthening the coaching staff.

Three names have emerged as potential assistant coaches for the Lakers: Scott Brooks, Rajon Rondo, and James Borrego. All three individuals bring a wealth of NBA experience, with Brooks having previously served as the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2008 to 2015 and currently working as an assistant for the Portland Trail Blazers. Borrego, on the other hand, had stints as the interim coach for the Orlando Magic in 2015 and as the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets from 2018 to 2022. He is currently an assistant coach for the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Lakers' willingness to invest in their coaching staff is a welcome change, as the team aims to secure highly qualified and experienced individuals to assist the new head coach. With no financial restrictions, the Lakers have the flexibility to pursue coaching talents with extensive NBA backgrounds, even if it requires a substantial monetary commitment.

As the search for a new head coach and assistant coaches continues, the Lakers are focused on assembling a coaching staff that can prepare the team for a successful season. The franchise hopes to find the best candidate for the head coaching position, while also surrounding them with an exceptional supporting cast. Ultimately, the goal is to fuel the Lakers' ambition of winning as many games as possible in the upcoming 2024-25 season.