JJ Redick isn’t going anywhere. At a Lakers press conference, GM Rob Pelinka announced the head coach has signed an extension, praising his leadership and describing him as a “special coach with a special voice” who is shaping the franchise’s identity.
“Confidence and belief,” said Pelinka on the timing of Redick’s extension. “We think he’s a special coach with a special voice that’s really helping us to continue to define the culture of Lakers excellence. I just wanted to make a clear statement that this is what we believe in, what we’re gonna lean into, and what our players are going to mold into as we continue to develop the identity. Having long-term planning is helpful as we build this team going forward.”
JJ Redick was still under contract for a few more seasons (initial deal was four years, $32 million), but the Lakers want to make it clear that they are standing by his authority as the leading voice on the sidelines.
The former player turned coach was only hired last summer, with no previous experience or success on the job. It was his connection to LeBron James and strong basketball IQ that landed him the role, which he displayed regularly on the ‘Mind the Game’ podcast.
Despite major resistance at first, Redick’s impact was felt right away. While players were often confused or disconnected under Darvin Ham, Redick had everyone on the same page and playing with confidence in their roles. He rewarded those who gave the most effort and played the game the right way, leading to a respectable record of 50-32 in Redick’s debut season.
While the Lakers ultimately lost in the first round of the playoffs, they saw enough from Redick to trust him with the future of their team. As an NBA veteran himself, he knows how to speak directly to the athletes, and he’s a voice that most of them respect.
For Pelinka, it was important not only to secure Redick’s future but to send a message of solidarity with their coach. For a team trying to compete for a title, having the right culture and team identity will make a massive difference, and Redick has shown that he’s able to bring out the most in his players.
With Luka Doncic in the fold, failure is not an option for this team, and the Lakers believe Redick’s approach is the key to their success. As a true student of the game and a brilliant sports strategist, JJ has the potential to raise the ceiling of this Lakers team, provided they follow his lead and stick to his plan.
Regardless of how this season plays out, however, JJ can rest easy knowing that his job is secure, for now. The Lakers have invested in his leadership, and they are going to give him the time and resources needed to bring out his best as coach.
At this point, there is no denying that the Lakers are betting big on Redick. While questions remain about how far he can take this group, his first year showed real promise, and the front office isn’t about to let uncertainty derail their progress. By securing his future now, the Lakers are signaling to their stars, their fans, and the rest of the league that they trust Redick to guide them back to the top.
