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JJ Redick adds G League coach to his Lakers staff
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The Los Angeles Lakers made an addition to head coach JJ Redick 's staff with the promotion of Zach Guthrie, as per Shams Charania of ESPN. Guthrie joins the coaching staff after spending the past two seasons as head coach of the team's G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
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In addition to his new duties as Lakers assistant coach, Zach Guthrie will also hold the title of head of player development. Guthrie's system with South Bay, not much different from JJ Redick's Lakers system , was crucial in helping develop some of the team's younger players such as Bronny James , Adou Thiero , Nick Smith Jr. , Drew Timme and Chris Mañon.
Timme in particular credited Guthrie for helping him expand his game and make himself more marketable in terms of getting on an NBA court.
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"It's a huge credit to Zach [Guthrie] and all the guys at South Bay. They've challenged me to add that [playmaking] to my game and be more of a playmaker on the perimeter and more of a decision-maker on the perimeter," Timme had mentioned to ClutchPoints back in January after a Lakers' win against the Toronto Raptors .
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"I've been down there for a decent amount, and they hold me accountable and they push me and they keep me sharp for moments when I am called upon."
This past season, Guthrie lead South Bay to a record-setting 26 wins and the No. 1 seed in the G League standings. The team advanced to the Western Conference Finals of the G League playoffs before falling to the Stockton Kings.
Prior to joining the Lakers' organization, Guthrie had been a long time assistant coach in the NBA including stints with the Utah Jazz , Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards . His time with Dallas coincided with Redick's final season in the NBA in which he suited up in 13 games for the Mavericks in 2020-21.
Guthrie got his first start in the NBA system in 2009 when he was hired as an intern with the then Austin Toros when the G League was still the NBA D League. He also held scouting and video coordinator roles with the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs .
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His promotion means the Lakers will need to hire a new head coach for their G League affiliate amid their move and rebrand as the Coachella Valley Lakers.
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