The Los Angeles Lakers' 2024-2025 season, JJ Redick's first at the helm and his first as coach of any team at any level, can be viewed in two ways.
On the one hand, he did preside over the acquisition and installation of Luka Doncic into the roster. The Lakers also finished with 50 wins and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, both franchise-bests since their 2020 championship season.
On the other hand, Redick's inexperience was all too clear during an early first round playoff exit in which L.A. went out in just five games to the lower-seeded (and underdog) Minnesota Timberwolves.
So, which hand will the Lakers front office shake when they consider the future of the franchise?
Lakers make call on Redick's future in L.A.
The Lakers had been eliminated in the first round or earlier in three of the previous four years coming into this campaign, so if anything, the regular season performance this year means the team took a step forward—even if it was of the baby variety.
That's why the Lakers have already decided that Redick's job is safe going into the 2025-2026 season, per The Athletic.
"The Redick experience was mostly positive, as the Lakers’ ability to earn the No. 3 seed had everything to do with his ability to connect with his players while showcasing his tactical acumen. 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."
While Redick will remain in situ, there are going to be big time changes around the rest of the team. General manager Rob Pelinka has already hinted at the fact that 40-year-old LeBron James—often mockingly called 'LeGM' because of Pelinka quotes like this—is expecting major roster changes next season.
Both LeBron and Luka Doncic could leave if they wanted. But our money would be on both staying and most of the rest of the roster being changed out instead.
The Lakers need athletes on the floor that can defend and shoot the three, and they need size that they can rely on. They can't rely on an out-of-shape Doncic and a 40-year-old to carry the rest of the team in a baby bjorn again in 2026.
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