JJ Redick’s inaugural season as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers was, by most measures, a success. Stepping into the role with no prior coaching experience at any level, Redick led the Lakers to the third-best record in the Western Conference and reinvigorated the locker room with a modern, player-first approach. His tactical instincts and communication style earned praise from both players and front office personnel, including general manager Rob Pelinka and franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić. But in Los Angeles, where championships are the expectation, anything short of a deep playoff run is viewed through a more critical lens.
That reality came into sharp focus in the Lakers’ first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite entering the series as the betting favorite, the Lakers were eliminated in five games, with Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch clearly outmaneuvering Redick in key moments.
In particular, Redick’s decision to play his starters the entire second half of Game 4 drew scrutiny, as both Dončić and LeBron James appeared visibly fatigued by the closing minutes. “The starters looked gassed,” one observer noted, referencing the team’s inability to keep pace with Minnesota’s younger, deeper rotation. The loss, while disappointing, also marks a pivotal learning opportunity for Redick and his staff moving into Year Two.
Los Angeles Lakers Looking For New Strength And Conditioning Coach
In the wake of the early exit, the Lakers are already making changes—beginning with their training and performance team. Redick emphasized the need for the team to be in “championship shape” next season, and in line with that directive, the Lakers have posted a public job listing for a new head strength and conditioning coach. According to NBA on ESPN (via TeamWork Online), the listing includes a salary range of $200,000 to $250,000.
Much of the speculation around the posting centers on Dončić, who has long faced criticism for not always being in peak physical condition. Whether light-hearted or pointed, the commentary reflects a shared understanding among fans and analysts alike: the Lakers’ title hopes hinge on Dončić’s durability and conditioning as much as Redick’s coaching evolution.
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As the 2025–26 season approaches, all eyes will be on Redick’s growth as a coach, Dončić’s conditioning, and whether the Lakers can assemble a roster capable of contending in a deep and competitive Western Conference. In Los Angeles, the margin between progress and pressure is razor-thin, and Year Two under Redick will be no exception.