Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick addressed the media on Thursday to discuss L.A.’s offseason and the high expectations they’ve set for themselves heading into the 2025-2026 NBA season.
Heading into his second year as an NBA head coach, JJ Redick has earned himself a contract extension with the Lakers. Rob Pelinka announced the extension on Thursday and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to Coach Redick for now and the future.
Redick preached “championship habits” during the press conference, asking all of his players to have “championship communication” and to be in “championship shape”.
He mentioned spending time with L.A. Rams coach Sean McVay and seven-time NFL champion Tom Brady early in the offseason to pick their brains about their process and what it takes to lead a team. Redick also expressed his pleasure in the players’ commitment and how hard they’ve worked over the summer.
Roster “Optionality”
Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka was asked about how the franchise would utilize their remaining trade assets, most notably their draft capital:
“If a transaction comes to us that leads to sustain Lakers excellence and puts us in a position to increase our odds of winning a championship, we would put future draft capital in to make that move.”
Pelinka also brushed aside questions regarding Rui Hachimura’s future with the club. Hachimura is currently on the last year of his deal and Pelinka expressed that the franchise feels strongly about Rui and doesn’t want to disclose ongoing contract discussions.
Regarding recent reports that the Lakers have “pivoted” their aggressiveness in improving the roster, Pelinka said there has been no pivot and that the organization is constantly looking for ways to improve the roster.
LeBron’s Future in L.A.
LeBron James will be heading into year 23 and his 8th year with the Lakers, the longest consecutive years he’s been with a team. Rob Pelinka reiterated that the Lakers would love if LeBron retired a Laker but that they also want to honor however James decides to end his career.
James will head into the season on an expiring contract and will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
The 2025-2026 season is officially here. The Lakers will host their second media day on Monday, September 29th where the players will address the media. Training camp will begin September 30th, and L.A. plays their first preseason game next Friday, October 3rd against the Phoenix Suns.
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