When the Los Angeles Lakers brought Zach Guthrie, the head coach of their G League affiliate, on board to JJ Redick’s regular staff this offseason, they needed a new name at the helm as their affiliate rebranded from the South Bay Lakers to the Coachella Valley Lakers. The franchise settled on Alex Cerda, who has been with the team’s G League organization for the past four seasons.

Alex Cerda will take the reins as coach when the Coachella Valley Lakers tip-off the 2026-27 G League season on Nov. 6 in their new home at Acrisure Arena. The team had played their home games at the Lakers’ practice facility since 2017.

Cerda initially joined the Lakers’ G League organization in 2023, and has been an assistant coach with the team for the past three seasons, including the last two under Guthrie. One of his main focuses for the upcoming season will be to develop players in preparation for the NBA.

“I am incredibly grateful and honored for the opportunity to lead the Coachella Valley Lakers,” Cerda said in a prepared statement by the team. “The organization has played an important role in my professional journey, and I have tremendous respect for the people, players and coaches who have helped me grow along the way. I am excited to build on the foundation that has been established here and create a team that our players and fans can be proud of.

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“My focus will be on developing a competitive, connected and resilient group that plays with purpose every night, while continuing to develop our players and prepare them for the next level.”

Cerda has a wealth of experience in the G League having begun his careers as a player development coach and video coordinator with the then Ft. Wayne Mad Ands, the Indiana Pacers affiliate, who have since become the Noblesville Boom. He also had a stint with the Texas Legends, the Dallas Mavericks affiliate, before joining the Lakers’ organization.

Among the players expected to play key roles for Coachella Valley this season are the Lakers’ two-way contract players in Chris Mañon, Arthur Kaluma and AK Okereke.