The Los Angeles Lakers are interested in adding former NBA coach Alvin Gentry as an assistant under new coach JJ Redick, per Brad Turner of the LA Times.
Genry is the former head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans and was fired shortly before the team traded Anthony Davis to the Lakers in 2019.
Gentry, 69, has also served as head coach of the Phoenix Suns and Detroit Pistons, with interim roles for the Miami Heat and most recently, the Sacramento Kings in 2021-22.
Redick, 40, is entering his first season as a coach at any level after a lengthy career as an NBA shooting guard. He has spent the past two seasons as an analyst with ESPN.
The Lakers are looking to surround Redick with veteran coaches. It won’t hurt if they’ve dealt with stars, such as the case with Gentry with Davis.
He went 24-41 after replacing the fired Luke Walton back in 2021-22, then moved into the front office. Gentry is said to have had a role in helping the Kings land current coach Mike Brown.
Gentry coached the Pelicans from 2015-20, compiling a 175-225 record. He sports a 534-636 record in 17 seasons overall.
Along with Gentry, the Lakers are believed to have an interest in former NBA point guard Rajon Rondo as a possible assistant.
“Adding former head coaches to Redick’s staff is an important development for L.A., as they are hoping to bring some experience to mesh with Redick’s high basketball IQ,” wrote Ron Gutterman of Lakers Nation. “This is often how teams will try to balance hiring a first-time head coach, especially one like Redick with no professional coaching experience.”
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
