The Los Angeles Lakers have one of the best cores in the NBA on paper, but they are largely unproven. Luka Doncic had a down year last season. While he is expected to take a leap, that’s not a guarantee. On top of that, LeBron James is aging, Austin Reaves is in a contract standoff, and additions like Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart are celebrated players, but they might be well past their primes.
Add in a boisterous and inexperienced head coach in JJ Redick, and the Lakers‘ season could go off the rails.
Redick won 50 games in his first season as a head coach. Still, his Lakers got bounced in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. While Redick seems to be a capable leader, he has yet to prove that he is one of the best in the NBA.
GettyEL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 25: Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks with media during a press conference at UCLA Health Training Center on September 25, 2025 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
JJ Redick’s Coaching Ranking Revealed
Nine teams won 50 games last season. Tom Thibodeau was fired after his campaign, and Mike Malone was canned after winning 47 games. David Adelman finished the Denver Nuggets’ season 3-0.
With Redick boasting James and Doncic for much of the season, winning 50 games was a reasonable expectation. His willingness to be creative with the offense allowed him to be ranked better than average.
Redick came in at 14th in the NBA, according to Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar.
“His deep understanding of modern offenses, sharp communication, and player relatability have drawn praise early on,” explained Bitar on September 29th.”His basketball intellect and instant credibility with stars like LeBron James make him a fascinating wild card. We think Redick will bring some fresh ideas to the Lakers with Luka Doncic leading the way, so his ranking is reasonable.
Redick was hand-picked by James to lead the Lakers after his basketball wisdom was showcased on The Old Man and the Three and the Mind the Game podcasts.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 27: Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers high fives Luka Doncic #77 against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers Have Faith in JJ Redick
This offseason, the Lakers extended Redick for two seasons, keeping him in Los Angeles through the 2029-30 season.
It’s rare that head coaches retire. More often than not, they get fired, and a James-led team is no exception. In his seven seasons with the Lakers, James has had four head coaches. Luke Walton was fired, Frank Vogel was fired, and Darvin Ham was fired.
Ham and Vogel were never extended under James (LeGM). Vogel did get a one-year extension through the 2022-23 season, although he was fired before his new contract could kick in after the Lakers missed the playoffs.
Los Angeles offering Redick an extension is a sign of faith, although it is not a promise. In the NBA, coaching salaries are guaranteed, so he will be paid through 2029-30 even if he is no longer pacing the sidelines. He seems to have the support of the best players on the team and might have the most job security of any coach to ever share a team with LeBron, aside from Erik Spoelstra.
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