The Los Angeles Lakers remain optimistic about JJ Redick as their head coach despite their first round exit, sources tell The Athletic. The Lakers will not make a coaching change. Redick generally received favorable reviews in his first season as head coach, but his decision to only play five players in the second half of the Lakers’ Game 4 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves received criticism.
Rob Pelinka conducted his end of season media availability alongside Redick.
“JJ brought just a complete revival of energy and incredibly hard work ethic, attention to detail, a spirit to our team, to our group, to our franchise as a rookie coach that we haven’t seen in a long time,” Pelinka said Thursday. “Our level of confidence, my level of confidence, couldn’t be higher. He’s a great partner to work with. He’s an incredible basketball mind and I know that every year for him will be things to celebrate and learning lessons. That’s just who he is. That’s exciting for the Lakers, for our fan base and for our future.”
Redick signed a four-year, $32 million deal with the Lakers last offseason. Redick was considered an unorthodox hire as he went directly from media to the sidelines without any experience as an assistant coach.
Redick appears to have the full support of the Lakers’ roster, most notably Luka Doncic and LeBron James.