Following an early first-round exit last season, the Los Angeles Lakers decided to overhaul their coaching staff and start anew. As part of this shake-up, they hired JJ Redick, who is stepping into his first head coaching role. With Summer League rapidly approaching after his hiring, Redick opted not to coach, delegating the responsibility to South Bay Lakers head coach Dane Johnson.
Johnson, however, struggled to showcase his coaching abilities as the Lakers appeared disorganized on both ends of the floor during their first three games at the California Classic. Despite the rough start, the team managed to turn things around, winning three consecutive games to wrap up their Summer League campaign in Las Vegas.
Nevertheless, Johnson’s efforts with the South Bay Lakers, the Lakers’ G League affiliate, and his performance in the Summer League were insufficient to secure his position. On Friday, the South Bay Lakers announced they have parted ways with Johnson after just one season as head coach.
This decision marks a significant change for the South Bay Lakers as they seek new leadership moving forward. The organization’s move to part ways with Johnson indicates a desire to find a new direction and perhaps someone who aligns more closely with their vision for the future. As the Lakers continue to reconfigure their coaching staff, all eyes will be on who will take over the reins in South Bay.
General manager Rob Pelinka and newly appointed head coach JJ Redick are placing a strong emphasis on building a robust program and nurturing young talent within the organization. With the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in place, there is a heightened need for effective drafting and development, as opposed to relying solely on hefty spending to construct a championship-caliber team.
The G League is set to play an increasingly crucial role in this strategy, serving as a key resource for discovering and developing talent. While South Bay Lakers produced four NBA call-ups under Dane Johnson, it has been some time since a G League player made a significant impact for the Lakers.
There is no immediate urgency to fill Johnson’s vacancy, but given Redick’s focus on player development, the Lakers will seek a new head coach for South Bay who can lead this aspect effectively.
This year’s draft class is particularly significant for the Lakers as they begin to prioritize player development. With rookies Bronny James and Dalton Knecht joining the team, their progress will be closely watched.
Before his departure, Dane Johnson had the opportunity to coach both rookies in several Summer League games. Johnson provided insights into James’s development, highlighting his early progress with some NBA experience under his belt.
