Suns have copied the Lakers' approach to coaching this season

If there is one rival organization that Phoenix Suns' fans do not like to be compared to, it is surely the Los Angeles Lakers. The two franchises have had some iconic battles this century, although these days they might actually have more in common than either would care to admit. The Lakers may have bigger ambitions now as the Suns rebuild, but that doesn't mean they're on different paths.

Both are built around a superstar in Devin Booker and Luka Doncic, although Los Angeles does also have LeBron James in town. He will be 41-years-old by season's end however - and given he is also going to miss some time with injury to start the campaign - now more than ever it feels like Doncic's team. Then there is Deandre Ayton, formerly of the Suns and now with the Lakers.

Suns copied Lakers' surrounding JJ Redick with veterans approach.

What has emerged as the biggest similarity between the two hasn't even taken place on the court however, and instead has to do with the head coaches with each organization - and more importantly - how they have been surrounded in their respective jobs. Last summer the Lakers made the surprising move of hiring a first time head coach with no experience in JJ Redick.

He had done the "Mind The Game" podcast with James prior to joining, but his hiring was still a surprise. Right away Redick handled himself really well with the media - having been on the other side of that dynamic in the past - while it was clear early just how knowledgable he was about the game of basketball.

The Lakers didn't just let Redick sink or swim however, filling out his coaching staff with veteran names such as Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks. Two former head coaches themselves with a ton of experience. Interestingly, the Lakers also this offseason hired Michael Wexler as their Head Video Coordinator having come across from - you guessed it - the Phoenix Suns.

This summer the Suns hired a highly thought of assistant from the Cleveland Cavaliers in Jordan Ott, and promptly built an even more experienced coaching staff around him. Steve Clifford was brought on as a senior advisor - although he won't be based in The Valley - before owner Mat Ishbia went and brought back franchise icon Steve Nash in a similar role.

That could present problems down the road if Ott struggles - but for now at least - it is another voice with head coach experience who can help guide the rookie. Not content with all of that - and with the regular season mere weeks away - the Suns also added Ed Stefanski to the front office as an advisor as well.

So while the Lakers and Suns don't like to be compared - and although both are at different stages in their development right now - they have approached the role of head coach in the same way. Give the new voice a chance to create something special, surrounding them with older heads who have seen it all before in case it goes off the tracks. Clever.