Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka and Head Coach JJ Redick addressed the media in Los Angeles on Thursday, looking ahead to the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season. Pelinka initiated the conference with a rather unexpected announcement.
Despite Redick being on the cusp of his second year as the Lakers` head coach, the organization opted to commend his strong debut season by granting him a new contract extension prior to the commencement of training camp. While Pelinka refrained from disclosing the precise terms of the agreement, it is understood that the extension will prolong the initial four-year deal Redick signed last season when he embarked on his first head coaching role.
In his inaugural season, Redick successfully led the Lakers to a 50-32 record, securing the third seed in the highly competitive Western Conference. Their playoff journey, however, concluded with a first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Pelinka articulated the team`s commitment to solidifying Redick`s position as their long-term “basketball leader,” hence providing him with a longer-term deal that extends beyond his previously signed contract through the 2027-28 season.
This decision also follows the significant commitment made by star player Luka Dončić this summer, who signed his own extension after being acquired mid-season last year. Consequently, Redick`s contract extension is perceived as both a robust vote of confidence from the Lakers` front office and an affirmation of Dončić`s support for his coach. Having previously played together briefly in Dallas, Redick and Dončić are now set to become prominent figures representing Lakers basketball for the foreseeable future.
