Lindsey Harding’s Journey in Coaching
On December 15, 2023, Lindsey Harding, the first Black woman to serve as a head coach in the G League, was gearing up for a promising day when she was approached by Gabriel Harris, the assistant general manager of the Stockton Kings. Having developed a keen anticipation for any communication from him regarding potential NBA call-ups, Harding’s heart sank as she soon learned about a shocking incident involving Chance Comanche, her 6-foot-10 center.
“Comanche was being arrested, initially leading her to assume it was a minor offense like a DUI. To her disbelief, the charges were far more severe: Comanche was implicated in the murder and kidnapping of Marayna Rodgers, a 23-year-old woman, with the crime allegedly taking place during a Kings road trip to Las Vegas earlier that month.”
Navigating Turmoil
Days later, as Comanche faced extradition to Las Vegas for these grave charges, Harding was left to navigate the turmoil it stirred within her team. The Kings were set to travel to Santa Cruz for a game against the Golden State Warriors’ affiliate, but the players were emotionally adrift. That night, the Kings fell to the Santa Cruz squad, a loss that seemed inevitable given the players’ mental state.
As the situation escalated, Harding became not just a coach but a source of strength for her players. The G League Winter Showcase in Orlando soon followed, and the atmosphere was thick with questions about Comanche that Harding had no answers for. Seeking to uplift her team’s spirits amidst the chaos, Harding organized a trip to an amusement park, hoping to distract them from the intense scrutiny of the situation.
She sought assistance from the NBA and the Kings franchise for crisis support while attempting to postpone games in light of the incident, though this request was ultimately denied.
Leadership and Resilience
Throughout this tumultuous time, Harding skillfully maintained her team’s focus, striving to transform the pain of loss into a learning experience. Despite the heartbreak, her leadership propelled the Kings to achieve a strong 24-10 record in the regular season, earning her the title of G League Coach of the Year.
A New Challenge with the Lakers
Now, nearly two years after this harrowing event, Harding has taken on a new challenge as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, making history as the first woman to hold this position within the franchise. Reflecting on her journey, Harding credits her tumultuous experiences in Stockton for equipping her with the resilience needed for such high-profile roles.
She believes her past has prepared her to face whatever challenges come her way while continuing to shatter barriers for women in coaching.
Career Highlights
Harding’s illustrious basketball career began at Duke University, where she shone as the Naismith College Player of the Year before entering the WNBA as the first overall pick in 2007. After stepping off the court in 2017, she sought to remain close to the game by enrolling in the NBA’s Basketball Operations Associates Program, leading her to roles including the Philadelphia 76ers’ pro-personnel scout.
Her recent hiring by Lakers’ head coach JJ Redick marks a continuation of her pattern of being a first in many roles throughout her career. Harding’s diverse skill set has made her an invaluable member of the Lakers’ staff, where she handles scouting reports and coordinates practice strategies.
Her colleagues, including Lakers players, have praised her approachable and supportive coaching style, which contrasts with the more traditional, vociferous methods common in the coaching realm.
Future Aspirations
Lindsey Harding dreams of becoming a head coach in the NBA, a goal she is not in a hurry to realize, recognizing that she still has much to learn in her current position. While she acknowledges the societal barriers that still linger, Harding remains optimistic about her future and the eventual acceptance of women in leadership roles within the league.
“I know I will be a head coach,” she asserts, driven by a belief in her own capacity to lead, undeterred by the challenges that may lie ahead.”
