In this Sunday, April 3, 2016 photo, Kara Lawson, left, and Rebecca Lobo talk before a ESPN show before a national semifinal game at the women's Final Four in the NCAA college basketball tournament in Indianapolis. The witty banter that viewers see on-air is even more prevalent when the cameras stop rolling. "Some of the best stuff happens when we're off camera," Lobo said. "Kara would say something and we're like you got to use that on air." (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
In this Sunday, April 3, 2016 photo, Kara Lawson, left, and Rebecca Lobo talk before a ESPN show before a national semifinal game at the women's Final Four in the NCAA college basketball tournament in Indianapolis. The witty banter that viewers see on-air is even more prevalent when the cameras stop rolling. "Some of the best stuff happens when we're off camera," Lobo said. "Kara would say something and we're like you got to use that on air." (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Credit: Darron Cummingsโ€”AP

Kara Lawson is the latest woman headed to the NBA to coach.

Lawson was hired by the Boston Celtics as an assistant coach according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to the Associated Press on Friday on condition of anonymity because the team hasnโ€™t publicly announced the hire.

While Lawson hasnโ€™t coached in college or the pros, she has served as an adviser for USA Basketballโ€™s 3-on-3 teams over the past few years. Sheโ€™s also been a commentator for ESPN for the NBA and college basketball as well as being a TV analyst for the Washington Wizards over the past few seasons.

New York Liberty coach Katie Smith has no doubt that Lawson will do a phenomenal job with the Celtics.

โ€œSheโ€™s a student of the game. Not only the Xโ€™s and Oโ€™s,โ€ Smith said. โ€œSheโ€™s done the 3-on-3, and sheโ€™s an analyst. Sheโ€™s always studying the game. For her itโ€™s the way she approaches the game. Sheโ€™s a great person and will connect really well and work really hard.โ€

ESPN was the first to report the deal.

Lawson becomes the latest woman to serve as a coach in the NBA, joining San Antonioโ€™s Becky Hammon, Dallasโ€™ Jenny Boucek and Clevelandโ€™s Lindsay Gottlieb.

โ€œKudos to the NBA and their teams,โ€ Dallas Wings coach Brian Agler said. โ€œThey are opening their minds. Having coached some of these people, they really know the game.

The 38-year-old Lawson played in the WNBA from 2003-15 and won a title with the Sacramento Monarchs in 2005. Lawson also helped the U.S. win the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.