JJ Redick’s first season as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers is in the books. And the results of Rob Pelinka’s risk to hire a first-year head coach that was the same age as the team’s biggest superstar were relatively positive. During the regular season, especially.
Redick commanded instant respect within the Lakers locker room. Throughout the year, good games netted Redick and the coaching staff praise, while poor showings led players to say they didn’t execute the game plan well enough. Redick successfully underwent three complete style shifts throughout the season as the team’s roster changed drastically.
But in the playoffs, Redick’s inexperience showed. He was greatly out-coached by Minnesota Timberwolves’ Chris Finch, showed a lack of trust in his bench and let his emotions get the best of him on a couple occasions. But the five-game series in no way outweighs all the positive from the regular season.
And that is why Pelinka gave Redick a full vote of confidence after the season came to an end, with a guarantee that he’ll continue into his second season atop the Lakers staff, via Jovan Buha and Sam Amick of The Athletic:
Despite the early playoff exit, Redick’s job is safe, and the Lakers are optimistic about his future with the franchise, team sources told The Athletic.
“JJ brought just a complete revival of energy and incredibly hard work ethic, attention to detail, a spirit to our team, to our group, to our franchise as a rookie coach that we haven’t seen in a long time,” Pelinka said Thursday. “Our level of confidence, my level of confidence, couldn’t be higher. He’s a great partner to work with. He’s an incredible basketball mind and I know that every year for him will be things to celebrate and learning lessons. That’s just who he is. That’s exciting for the Lakers, for our fan base and for our future.”
There was no real consideration for Redick to be fired after his playoff performance, as he still established himself as a legitimate head coach. And growing pains are a part of coaching just as much as they are a part of playing.
Now, the Lakers get a full offseason of Redick helping build out a roster and a play style that helps them seriously contend for a championship in 2025-26.
When the Lakers acquired Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks, they believed they locked up their long-term future with a superstar to build around for years to come.
Even though he was caught off guard by the trade, Doncic enjoyed his first few months in L.A. and expressed a desire to remain with the Lakers long term.
After a first-round playoff exit though, there is a bit of a question mark surrounding Doncic and what he really wants. He becomes eligible to sign an extension on Aug. 2 and there are a variety of different options when it comes to structure.
The Lakers will reportedly be willing to offer Doncic whatever contract structure he is looking for in his next deal though, hoping to secure their long-term future.
