When JJ Redick took over as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, he knew he was stepping into one of the most storied franchises in sports. The Lakers’ legacy demands success; that can be a tricky balance for a first-time head coach. Now, in year two of the job, Redick is opening up about the challenge testing him the most.
How Is JJ Redick Maintaining a Fine Balance In His Coaching Job?
Hired on June 24, 2024, on a four-year deal worth $32 million, Redick entered his first season with pressure and promise. The rookie coach then quickly proved he belonged. Under his leadership, the Lakers finished the 2024–25 season with a 50–32 record, good for third in the Western Conference — only the second time since 2019–20 that the Lakers hit the 50-win mark.
Still, for Redick, success isn’t just about the scoreboard. It’s about connecting with players and managing personalities inside a star-studded locker room. Speaking to reporters during a press conference, he offered rare insight into his toughest adjustment so far and how he is improving on it.
“I spent a lot of time after the season with my performance coach and did a lot of self reflection,” Redick said. “I think the biggest thing for me is just having the ability to properly turn it on and off. And recognizing not everybody is wired like Kobe. You got to kind of meet guys where they are.”
He continued, “I am not saying I am wired like Kobe, but not everybody is wired like Tom Brady or Kobe, you know? You gotta kinda meet guys where they are. That doesn’t change the standard or expectation for them, but having a little bit of empathy for them.”
Those words reveal how Redick approaches his job — pushing his players to perform while understanding that not everyone operates the same way. It’s a fine line between holding athletes accountable and showing compassion, and Redick seems to be figuring out how to walk it effectively.
Redick Is Winning the Lakers Locker Room
Despite some early criticism of his in-game decisions, Redick’s debut year was widely viewed as a success. His ability to earn the trust of his players has been a key part of that progress.
LeBron James has publicly praised his new coach, saying Redick is “super-detailed when it comes to that.” His reputation as a sharp, high-IQ basketball thinker — shaped over 15 NBA seasons as a player has translated smoothly into coaching.
Known for his direct and transparent communication, Redick’s no-nonsense approach has brought structure and energy back to a Lakers locker room that struggled with inconsistency in the Darvin Ham era.
The Lakers’ front office clearly believes in his leadership. Redick’s original deal still had three years and roughly $24 million left, but the team has already tacked on two more years, boosting his annual salary to around $9 million.
His start this year hasn’t been without hiccups. Following a rough preseason debut — a 22-point loss to the Phoenix Suns — Redick was brutally honest about where his team stood.
“This is not an excuse, this is quite literally reality: They’ve had 19 guys in the gym all of September,” Redick said about the Suns. “They’ve had seven practices. They’re ahead of us from that perspective…”
That mix of honesty and accountability has made him a respected figure in the locker room. Redick’s emphasis on preparation and clear player roles has drawn comparisons to the early days of Gregg Popovich in San Antonio — a young coach who knew how to command respect and adapt to his roster.
Now, as the Lakers prepare to begin their 2025–26 campaign on Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors, Redick’s challenge will be to turn his philosophy into results again and lead the Lakers to their 18th banner. Expectations are sky-high with a star-loaded roster featuring LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, and DeAndre Ayton.