Lakers Extend Coach JJ Redick, Puts Ball In LeBron James’ Court In Future

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka revealed team updates on Thursday, including a contract extension for head coach JJ Redick and a comment on LeBron James‘ future.

The GM announced the team will keep the 41-year-old head coach on the sidelines for the long term. Redick, who signed a four-year deal with the Lakers in June 2024, has reportedly signed a multiyear extension.

“We think he’s a special coach with a special voice that’s really helping us define the culture of Lakers excellence,” Pelinka said. “We just wanted to make a clear statement that this is what we believe in, what we’re going to lean into and what our players are going to mold into as we continue to develop the identity. I think having long-term planning is helpful as we build this team and go forward.”

In his first season as a head coach, Redick helped the Lakers finish third in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record. It was the team’s highest conference position since its championship-winning season in 2019-20.

“I think it starts with a high level of gratitude – to the Lakers, to Mark [Walter], Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] for having that confidence in me,” Redick said on the extension. “It’s not lost on me, this sort of rarity of a first-time head coach getting an extension. I recognize how fortunate I am to be in an organization that supports me in that way.”

But now the attention shifts to 40-year-old star forward LeBron James, who used his one-year player option in June. James is set to enter his 23rd season in the NBA: a record in the league.

Pelinka said the ball is in the four-time NBA champion’s court regarding his future, but hints that he would love for him to retire in Los Angeles.

“Just give him absolute respect to choose his story with his family in terms of how many years he’s going to continue to play,” Pelinka said on James’ future. “He’s earned that right, and he’s the best one to talk about in terms of how many years he’d like to play.

“We would love if LeBron’s story would be to retire as a Laker. That’d be a positive story.”

The Lakers’ media day will be held on Monday, with training camp beginning the following day. The team will open its 2025-26 campaign on Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors.