Despite a disappointing first-round playoff exit, LeBron James has made it clear that Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick still has the full support of the locker room. Following the team’s five-game loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, James publicly backed Redick and his coaching decisions, signaling continued trust as the franchise looks ahead to the 2025-26 season.
On the latest episode of the Mind the Game podcast with co-host Steve Nash, James addressed the criticism surrounding Redick’s lineup and rotation choices, particularly the limited usage of key contributors like Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt.
LeBron Shares Thoughts On Los Angeles Lakers Coach JJ Redick
“None of us questioned it. None of us questioned JJ and the coaching staff for what happened,” James said. “Obviously, Gabe and Vando, guys that have given us so many great minutes, they definitely felt a way, because they’re competitors. But it wasn’t a decision based on guys not being able to do the job. It was his decision based on the feeling of the game and the momentum of the game.”
Redick, in his first year as an NBA head coach, faced scrutiny for those decisions after the Lakers—despite finishing 50-32—struggled to generate offense against Minnesota’s top-ranked defense.
Still, James dismissed any notion of discord within the team: “None of us looked at him or the coaching staff in any way, for the decision that he made. And s**t, it was our fault that we didn’t come through.”
James, who turned 40 during the season, remained dominant, averaging 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game in the series. His performance continues to fuel speculation about a return for a record-setting 23rd NBA season.
Redick was hired last offseason following a wide search to replace Darvin Ham. While pairing a rookie coach with a veteran roster drew scrutiny, James’ public support suggests the Lakers remain united as they head into a crucial offseason focused on retooling and contention.