JJ Redick Brings Zach Guthrie On As Lakers Assistant

Zach Guthrie’s NBA Coaching Journey

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has tapped South Bay guru Zach Guthrie to join the franchise as an assistant coach and the primary head of player development. Guthrie brings a pedigree that includes stints with the Utah Jazz (2016‑2020), the Dallas Mavericks (2020‑2021) and the Washington Wizards (2021‑2024). His résumé also features a recent, high‑impact run leading the G‑League’s South Bay squad to the league’s best regular‑season record.

After those NBA stops, Guthrie accepted the South Bay role and quickly became a pivotal figure in the development of players such as Drew Timme, Chris Manon, Kobe Bufkin, Arthur Kaluma, Bronny James, and Adou Thiero. Now he will continue working with James and Thiero should they remain on the Lakers roster, in addition to Cameron Carr and two‑way talent A.K. Okereke.

South Bay’s Dominance and Its Impact

Last season the South Bay Lakers posted the G‑League’s best record, giving the franchise a strong foundation to build upon. Redick’s decision to elevate Guthrie signals the Lakers’ commitment to nurturing homegrown talent through robust player‑development programs.

Guthrie’s work in the G‑League immediately paid off on the NBA level, as several of his proteges—including Bronny James and Adou Thiero—are already shaping up for potential contributions to the main roster. The coaching staff now has a clear pipeline from South Bay to Crypto.com Arena.

Redick’s Depth Challenge

Following the 2025‑26 campaign, Redick highlighted the roster depth needed to keep pace with Western Conference powerhouses. He emphasized that quality talent must be added through internal development, the draft, trades, or free‑agency, noting that “you need to have depth beyond just an eight‑ or nine‑man rotation.”

The Lakers responded by signing five key players after losing notable talent in free agency. Now Redick must integrate those fresh faces and ensure the team’s ceiling rises, using Guthrie’s player‑development expertise to fill gaps in the rotation.

The move also leaves open the possibility of promoting from within for the G‑League vacancy, though the organization already opted to bring in an external coach with Guthrie’s hire. The decision reflects a strategic push to reinforce both the short‑term roster and the long‑term development pipeline.