The Los Angeles Lakers made a surprising move ahead of training camp by announcing a contract extension for first-year head coach JJ Redick, team president Rob Pelinka said Thursday. The terms of the extension were not disclosed.
Fresh off leading the Lakers to a 50-win season that exceeded expectations in his rookie year at the helm, Redick, 41, has quickly earned the organization’s confidence despite a first-round playoff exit.
Redick’s Unconventional Path to Head Coach
Redick, a former 15-year NBA veteran, was the Lakers’ second choice after two-time national champion Dan Hurley of UConn declined the position last year. He signed a four-year deal worth $32 million ahead of the 2024-25 season, according to ESPN. Prior to joining the Lakers, Redick worked as an ESPN analyst, having retired after the 2020-21 campaign.
“He’s the basketball leader in terms of our coaching and on-court performance,” Pelinka said Thursday. “Getting an extension done with Luka [Dončić], in addition to having LeBron [James] choose another year with the Lakers as opposed to entering free agency, are all positive, productive things for us as a basketball team. Recently extending JJ’s contract just underscores that leadership.”
Redick was grateful for the trust he earned so quickly.
“Rob and I, we have a lot of the same philosophies on life, and one of the words we always talk about is gratitude,” Redick said. “And so I think it starts with just a high level of gratitude to the Lakers, to Mark [Walter], Jeannie [Buss] and Rob for having that confidence in me. It’s not lost on me the sort of rarity of a first-time head coach getting an extension, like I recognize how fortunate I am to be with an organization that supports me that way.”
Lakers’ Regular Season Success, Postseason Questions
Redick guided the Lakers to a strong regular season, but their postseason ended abruptly with a five-game loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. His debut season was marked by significant roster changes, including the midseason trade that brought Dončić to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis.
Dončić arrived while still recovering from a calf strain and with lingering conditioning concerns. The superstar guard responded this offseason by shedding 31 pounds to reach his best shape since his rookie campaign.
Frontcourt Upgrades and Roster Additions
The Lakers also addressed their frontcourt needs, acquiring former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton as the starting center. Defensive stalwart Marcus Smart joined the backcourt, while young 3-and-D wing Jake LaRavia was added to supplement the roster after the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency.
Pelinka highlighted the efficiency of the Lakers’ offseason strategy. “We were methodical in what we wanted to accomplish,” he said.
These additions—Smart, Ayton, LaRavia—only cost the Lakers a combined $19 million, and they did it without giving up their lone draft capital (2031 of 2032 first-round pick).
Pressure to Deliver
The offseason upgrades arrive with added pressure. The Lakers enter the first year of Dončić’s three-year, $165 million extension and the final year of James’ current contract, making a championship run the priority.
Redick acknowledged the weight of expectation but stressed a focus on the process. “The Lakers always have pressure to win,” he said. “Coming into this building, seeing the banners is a constant reminder of what excellence is. So that doesn’t change for me—it’s a year-to-year mindset.”
Pelinka echoed that philosophy, emphasizing preparation over results alone. “JJ and I are so much about process. Now, we’re about diving into the process of having this team come together … the process of making this team great,” he said.
With Redick’s future in Los Angeles secured, the Lakers will aim to blend their revamped roster and coaching stability to contend for another NBA championship in the 2025-26 season.
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