Well, that’s a wrap on JJ Redick’s inaugural season.
The Lakers were bounced out of the first round with a Game 5 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday night, causing plenty of scrutiny around the franchise’s future with Redick, LeBron James and Luka Doncic. There’s also significant optimism around Redick after his first season in LA, evidenced by postgame comments from him and public support from his players.
JJ Redick Ends Rookie Coaching Season with Eye Toward Growth
Redick on First Season: “I Can Get a Lot Better”
When reflecting on his first season leading a storied franchise, Redick said he’d utilize input from his players and assistant coaches to assess his coaching debut.
“I know I can get better, and I know I will get better,” he added. “I don’t necessarily take any satisfaction from how the year went. That’s not to say I’m not proud of what the group was able to do and how we were able to figure things out on the fly and put ourselves in a position to have home court in the first round. But there’s always ways to get better, and I can get a lot better.”
It really is a year to be proud of for Redick and the Lakers. The 15-year vet took one of the biggest jobs in the league without a lick of professional coaching experience. He brought structure and accountability to a star-studded roster that saw massive midseason changes. As a result, the Lakers earned their first 50-win season and top-three finish since 2020.
However, his inexperience also showed, especially during the playoffs, where he made glaring choices against the Wolves that factored into an early exit. Those growing pains are par for the course with any first time head coach, but perhaps because it was the Lakers, Redick’s mistakes received just as much attention as his successes.
Star-Studded Endorsements
Reflecting on Redick’s first year, Doncic called his former teammate a “hell of a coach.”
“Not many coaches do the stuff he did in his first year,” he said. “I’m really glad [he coached me]. Feels sometimes like I’m back in Europe a little bit. We have a great bond … it’s been nothing but amazing.”
When looking toward the Lakers’ future, LeBron James also praised Redick for the job he did this season.
“I think whatever happens, I think JJ [is] gonna continue to grow,” he said. “[I] thought he had a hell of a rookie campaign for a rookie coach. And it’s a lot different being a rookie coach.”
“It’s already hard being a rookie coach in the NBA,” James added. “And it’s a hell of a lot harder being a rookie head coach coaching the Lakers. It’s a whole ‘nother ball game.”
James went on to praise Redick for handling the situation “extremely well,” learning every day and constantly pushing the team. “Here’s a great coach and up-and-coming coach that will be great for many years,” he said.
Bright Future Ahead for Redick, Lakers
The Lakers hired Redick for the team’s long-term future, and this year—despite its ending—feels like a step in the right direction. Bringing him aboard with minimal coaching experience was a bold move by Rob Pelinka, but it paid off by laying a solid foundation for the purple and gold’s future.
Redick accomplished one of his preseason goals by establishing a competitive, winning culture, and at times, the Lakers flashed some improvement in three-point shooting and defense—two areas he harped on this summer. His emphasis on player development also served the Lakers well. They got solid contributions from Dalton Knecht and Jordan Goodwin and saw signs of potential in Trey Jemison, Christian Koloko, and Bronny James.
The 40-year-old clearly has all the tools he needs to succeed with the Lakers—high basketball IQ, an experienced staff, talented players, and that “sicko” mentality. Now, it’s up to the front office to fulfill their end of the bargain. The team must find players that fit this iteration of the Lakers, ones that complement Doncic, James and Austin Reaves. LA now has a full summer to prepare for a “LeBroncic” season, and they enter a critical offseason with the right coach for the job.
© Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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