Lakers hiring Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks as top assistant coaches

League sources say a Lakers deal would have been far more lucrative, with discussions about a four-year, $80 million deal for Thompson if they had been able to convince the Warriors to cooperate in a sign-and-trade that would have sent D’Angelo Russell back to the Warriors (or to a third team). He had phone conversations with James and new Lakers coach JJ Redick that were all positive, league sources say, with Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka staying in touch with Lawrence, but the allure of the Lakers situation simply didn’t match what the Mavericks had to offer. -via New York Times / July 3, 2024

Redick said the organization is close to hiring a director of player development to oversee areas beyond just the technical elements of the game: nutrition, weight training, conditioning, recovery and mental health. The Lakers will play their first summer league game Saturday at the California Classic in San Francisco. Both Knecht, the No. 17 pick, and Bronny are expected to play in the summer leagues in San Francisco and Las Vegas. Redick will not coach the team in either league but said he will be heavily involved in practices and games. South Bay Lakers coach Dane Johnson and his staff will coach the team. -via New York Times / July 3, 2024

Legion Hoops: Dwane Casey has withdrawn his name from consideration for JJ Redick’s coaching staff, per @mcten. George Karl: Friends don’t let friends become assistant coaches for the modern Lakers. -via Twitter @CoachKarl22 / July 3, 2024