The Los Angeles Lakers made a notable addition off the court. The team has officially brought in Dr. Leroy Sims as their Director of Player Performance and Health, completing a key step under the vision of new head coach JJ Redick.
Lakers News: Team Hires Director of Player Performance and Health
Background
The news was announced in a team press release posted Wednesday morning. It noted that Sims will report to Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, and that he “will oversee player medical care and the optimization of health and performance,” adding:
“Dr. Sims most recently served as the Senior Vice President, Head of Medical Operations at the NBA where he developed and implemented innovative health and safety protocols, investigated medical technologies to optimize basketball experiences and conducted medical risk assessments. He is board-certified in Emergency Medicine and Primary Care Sports Medicine and was a key member of the team who executed the medical operations for the NBA Bubble in 2020. Dr. Sims served as the team physician for USA Track and Field at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and provided direct medical support to USA Basketball at the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics. From 2011-14, he served as the medical director and team physician for the Golden State Warriors.”
How Sims Fits into the Redick Era
Redick has previously emphasized the importance of player development and how it is a key facet of his vision for the Lakers. Player health is obviously a key aspect of that, which is why Sims will play a crucial role for LA.
Injuries have been a major storyline for the purple and gold over the last few seasons. The Lakers previously fired three top medical staff members over the course of five seasons: head athletic trainers Marco Nuñez (2019) and Nina Hsieh (2021), as well as director of sports performance Judy Seto (2022). Roger Sancho was hired as the team’s athletic trainer in 2021 and has remained with the team since then. Sims’ hire does not appear to impact Sancho’s status with the organization.
Turning to the players, last year—aside from LeBron James and Anthony Davis staying remarkably healthy—the team’s supporting cast was decimated by injuries. The most notable examples were Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, who both missed a majority of the season with a foot sprain and knee effusion, respectively. Additionally, Christian Wood and Cam Reddish missed several weeks due to persistent knee issues. Sims’ addition looks to build on the innovative mindset the Lakers have adopted this offseason. His track record aligns perfectly with what Redick and the Lakers are trying to build. There is no doubt he can help maximize this roster’s health, a necessity in a competitive Western Conference.
Sims is Second Lakers Hire This Month
Sims appears to be one of the last pieces in the puzzle to begin the Redick era. He joins a revamped coaching staff hellbent on helping the first-year head coach, as well as the team’s new player development director, Ty Abbott. Abbott has spent the last six years as a player development coach and director. He played professionally overseas and in the G League from 2012 to 2018.
LA enters this season with strong staffs on multiple fronts, from experience on the sidelines to innovation in player development. The results still have to translate to the hardwood, but things are looking up for a team with championship expectations.
