Lakers leave future up to LeBron, extend Redick

As the Los Angeles Lakers approach training camp, LeBron James is entering his eighth season with the team in a contract year, having exercised a $52.6 million option for 2025-26, but the absence of a long-term deal has sparked speculation about his future. Meanwhile, head coach JJ Redick's position is more secure after signing a multiyear extension with the team.

Rob Pelinka, the Lakers' president of basketball operations and general manager, emphasized the organization's respect for James' autonomy, stating that they hope to retain him as long as he wishes to play and ideally see him retire as a Laker. Pelinka deferred to James on retirement timing and expressed confidence in the team's competitiveness built around James and Luka Doncic.

Pelinka announced Redick's contract extension, highlighting it as a statement of confidence in the coach's leadership after he led the Lakers to 50 wins and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference in his debut season. He praised Redick's unique voice and role in defining the team's culture, underscoring the importance of long-term planning for the franchise.

Redick expressed gratitude for the extension, acknowledging the rarity of a first-time head coach receiving such support, and shared optimism about the upcoming season, noting James' strong mental state and his own commitment to bringing out the best in both James and Doncic.