Justin Robinson Leaves Duke Staff to Join JJ Redick’s Lakers Coaching Team

Justin Robinson Leaves Duke Staff to Join JJ Redick’s Lakers Coaching Team

Another familiar Duke face is headed to the NBA — this time, to Los Angeles.

Justin Robinson, son of NBA legend David Robinson and a former Duke player turned staffer, is leaving the Blue Devils’ program to join JJ Redick’s new coaching staff with the Los Angeles Lakers. Robinson will serve as a player development coach, marking a significant step in his post-playing career and continuing a growing trend of Duke talent moving from Durham to the pros both on and off the court.

Robinson had been Duke’s director of player development since late 2023, taking on the role shortly after retiring from professional basketball in Israel. His departure is the third coaching staff change for Duke since the end of the 2024-25 season, following the exits of Jai Lucas (now head coach at Miami) and Will Avery, who left in the spring.

A Familiar Path for Blue Devils in the NBA Coaching World

This isn’t the first time a former Duke staffer has jumped to the NBA in recent years. Amile Jefferson, who held the same title as Robinson before being promoted to an assistant coaching position under Jon Scheyer in 2022-23, was hired by the Boston Celtics in June 2023  where he remains on staff.

Robinson’s new role with the Lakers reunites him with Redick, a fellow Duke alum and former NBA sharpshooter, who was recently hired as the head coach of the Lakers after a fast rise through the media and basketball analysis world.

For Redick, bringing on a fellow Blue Devil isn’t just about loyalty  it’s about building a staff rooted in culture, intelligence, and connection to the modern player. Robinson brings a player’s mentality, a coach’s eye, and a unique blend of humility and drive from his own journey at Duke.

From Benchwarmer to Breakout Senior

As a player at Duke, Robinson’s story was one of persistence and perseverance. Often overshadowed and overlooked, he carved out a special moment during the 2019-20 season, when he became a surprise contributor late in the year. His breakout came in what became his final game: a stunning performance against rival North Carolina in Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Starting for the first (and only) time in his college career, Robinson delivered 13 points, six rebounds, four blocks, and three assists in an emotional 89–76 win over the Tar Heels. The pandemic ended that season before a tournament run, but Robinson’s gritty rise had already made its mark.

A Steady Rise in the Coaching Ranks

After brief stints playing professionally overseas  most recently in the Israeli National League  Robinson shifted into coaching and development. His time on staff under Jon Scheyer allowed him to connect with players, guide their off-court growth, and build relationships rooted in his own experience navigating a crowded depth chart.

Now, with the Lakers entering a new era under Redick and LeBron James possibly entering the twilight of his storied career, Robinson will have the chance to help shape the next generation of NBA talent on one of the league’s most high-profile teams.

Duke’s Coaching Tree Keeps Growing

Robinson’s departure underscores a broader trend for Duke: the program’s coaching pipeline continues to thrive beyond Durham. From Redick and Jefferson in the NBA to Lucas at Miami, Jon Scheyer’s era is already sending out branches of its own.

And for Justin Robinson, the story of the underdog turned contributor and now coach  is adding another compelling chapter, this time under the bright lights of Los Angeles.