The Los Angeles Lakers are sticking with coach JJ Redick for the long haul.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka revealed that Redick signed a contract extension after guiding the team to a 50-32 record and a first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves in his debut season.
Lakers HC JJ Redick has signed an extension with after one year with the franchise, GM Rob Pelinka announced Thursday.
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 25, 2025
“Just confidence and belief. We think he’s a special coach and has a special voice that’s really helping us continue to define the culture of Lakers excellence,” Pelinka said during a press conference Friday, September 26 (PH time).
That comes despite Redick entering just the second year of his original four-year, $32 million deal he signed with the team last year upon his arrival.
“It’s not lost on me, the sort of rarity of a first-time head coach getting an extension. I recognize how fortunate I am to be with an organization that supports me that way,” Redick said.
This comes on top of superstar Luka Doncic signing an extension and four-time champion LeBron James returning for another season with the Purple-and-Gold squad.
[ALSO READ: Luka Doncic signs maximum extension with Los Angeles Lakers]
“Getting an extension done with Luka, in addition to having LeBron choose another year with the Lakers as opposed to entering free agency — all positive, productive things for us as a basketball team,” Pelinka said.
He continued: “Recently extending JJ’s contract just makes it clear that he’s the basketball leader in terms of our coaching and on-court performance.”
“I expect the best version of Luka”
The offseason saw Doncic make headlines after undergoing physical transformation, reshaping his body and sharpening his conditioning.
[ALSO READ: LA Lakers’ Luka Doncic flaunts new-look physique in latest magazine cover]
The results showed at EuroBasket, where the Slovenian star looked leaner, quicker and more explosive.
Pelinka and team governor Jeanie Buss even made the trip overseas to watch him play — a clear sign of the Lakers’ faith in their new franchise cornerstone.
[ALSO READ: Luka Doncic gets visit from Lakers execs ahead of Slovenia’s EuroBasket 2025 opener]
Redick said he’s seen a different level of commitment from the 26-year-old.
“This is his routine, a daily commitment to the standard he’s set for himself. … I expect the best version of Luka, and it’s my job to bring that out every day,” the 41-year-old said.
Pressure is privilege
The Lakers added veterans Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart in free agency to bolster a roster headlined by Doncic and James, who will play their first full season together.
Since winning the title five years ago, the Lakers have managed just three playoff series wins, with their deepest run coming in the 2023 West Finals. They’ve also gone through two coaching changes in that stretch.
Redick’s arrival last season, however, delivered the franchise’s first 50-win campaign since 2020 — a promising step in their push to reclaim lost glory.
“I think there’s always pressure on the Lakers. Coming into this building every day, you’re constantly reminded of what Lakers excellence is. That doesn’t change, at least for me, year to year,” Redick bared.
The Lakers will open the 2025-26 season at home against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
[ALSO READ: SGA, Thunder begin title defense vs Durant, Rockets; Curry-James duel opens 2025-26 season]
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.
