One of the biggest question marks surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers entering the 2024-25 season was their first-year coach JJ Redick’s experience, or lack thereof. Redick had played 15 seasons in the NBA but had never before been a coach in pro basketball, meaning he’d be learning on the fly while heading one of the most recognizable and in-the-spotlight teams in sports.
And even though Redick’s inaugural season in Los Angeles ended with a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Lakers superstars Luka Doncic and LeBron James couldn’t have been more impressed with the job their coach did throughout a tumultuous season.
Yeah I think he’s a hell of a coach,” Doncic said while speaking to reporters after the Lakers’ 103-96 loss to the Timberwolves Wednesday. “Not many coaches do the stuff he did in his first year—his rookie year, however you want to say it. So, I’m really glad I got coached by him these couple of months.”
“It feels sometimes like I’m back in Europe a little bit. So I love it. We have a great bond. It’s been nothing but amazing with him as a coach.”
James appreciated Redick’s ability to handle the pressure that comes with coaching the Lakers, as well as his ability to hold the club “accountable.
I think JJ’s going to continue to grow. Thought he had a hell of a rookie campaign for a rookie coach,” James said. “And it’s a lot different being a rookie coach. It’s already hard being a rookie coach in the NBA. And it’s a hell of a lot harder being a rookie head coach coaching the Lakers. It’s a whole ‘nother ballgame. And I thought he handled it extremely well.”
“I thought he just learned every single day, held us accountable. He pushed us.”
Redick helped lead Los Angeles to its first 50-win season since its championship-winning 2019-20 campaign, all while shifting the team to a new playstyle in the wake of the stunning Doncic trade. Redick wasn’t perfect (who is?) and it clearly wasn’t always fun to play for him.
But both Doncic and James seemed to both enjoy and thrive under his stewardship, powerful endorsements that are sure to win Redick even more favor within the Lakers organization.
