Lakers Rumors: Alvin Gentry Eyed as Possible Assistant on JJ Redick's Coaching Staff

As JJ Redick embarks on his first year as an NBA head coach, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly exploring their options to provide him with an experienced staff.

According to Brad Turner of the L.A. Times, the Lakers "have interest in talking to" longtime NBA coach Alvin Gentry for a potential assistant coaching role under Redick.

Gentry has coached in the NBA since 1988, serving in head coaching roles with the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans. He most recently served as interim head coach of the Sacramento Kings during the 2021-22 campaign following the dismissal of Luke Walton. When the Kings hired Mike Brown as their next head coach, Gentry moved to the front office to become vice president of basketball engagement.

As Turner noted, Gentry has experience working with Lakers star forward Anthony Davis, who he coached when he was at the helm with the Pelicans. Davis had some of his best years with Gentry drawing up plays for him, including the 2017-18 campaign when he averaged a career-high 28.1 points and a league-high 2.6 blocks.

The Lakers hired Redick after firing Darvin Ham, who coached the team to a combined record of 90-74 across two seasons. Ham, who was in his first head coaching role, drew criticism at times for struggling to make adjustments and appearing to lose the confidence of the team's top veterans like Davis and star forward LeBron James.

Los Angeles is hoping that committing to another first-time head coach will produce better results. While Redick is a respected basketball mind, he will need the right people around him, and someone like Gentry would be a strong addition to his staff.