New Report Details Where Lakers Stand on JJ Redick After Early Playoff Exit

Kristen Wong | May 2, 2025

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick cheers on his team during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

As the Los Angeles Lakers continue to lick their wounds from their first-round playoff exit, plenty of questions loom surrounding the future of the team's star members. LeBron James declined to give a definitive update on his retirement timeline, while Luka Doncic is expected to sign a long-term deal with the Lakers, but admitted he hasn't really thought about it yet.

As for first-year coach JJ Redick, his standing in L.A. may be the clearest despite getting rather quickly knocked out of the postseason by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the five-game series.

Redick's job is safe, team sources recently told The Athletic, and the Lakers are "optimistic about his future with the franchise."

Redick, an ex-NBA vet-turned-successful podcaster, went down an unorthodox path to become the Lakers' new head coach last summer. His debut season with the Lakers had its highs and lows—Redick helped lead the team to a 50-win campaign and made smart adjustments after the blockbuster Doncic trade, but was heavily criticized for his rotation choices during the series loss to the Timberwolves.

Many previously worried whether Redick would be up to the task leading a storied and high-profile franchise like the Lakers; however, his inexperience didn't scare the Lakers' brass a year ago, and it still hasn't now.

The Athletic wrote:

The truth, though, is that the Lakers were well aware that he was inexperienced. Team sources say the hire was made last summer with the expectation that there would be growing pains, but they remain bullish on his ability to lead this group.

It also certainly helps that Redick has the confident backing of both Lakers' superstars, James and Doncic. It's onto the next for Redick and his team.

---

More NBA on Sports Illustrated

feed