Lakers Extend JJ Redick’s Contract Ahead of Training Camp: “A Special Voice” Says Pelinka

The Los Angeles Lakers have officially extended the contract of head coach JJ Redick, the franchise announced Thursday. While specific terms were not disclosed, the extension comes just over a year after Redick signed a four-year, $32 million deal to coach the team through the 2027-28 NBA season.

President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka made the announcement during a press conference leading into training camp, praising Redick’s impact on the team both on and off the court.

“Confidence and belief,” Pelinka said when asked why the extension was pursued. “We think he’s a special coach with a special voice who’s really helping us define the culture of Lakers excellence. We just wanted to make a clear statement of this is what we believe, this is what we want to lean into. I think having long-term planning is helpful when building a team moving forward.”

Redick, 41, was a bold and unconventional choice when hired in June 2024, making his head coaching debut with no prior coaching experience. In his first season, he led the Lakers to a strong 50-32 record, earning the third seed in the Western Conference. However, the season ended in disappointment, with the team bowing out in five games to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.

Despite the early postseason exit, the Lakers’ front office has expressed consistent support for Redick’s leadership style, communication skills, and ability to connect with players. His transition from NBA veteran to broadcaster to head coach has been closely watched, and his extension reflects the franchise’s commitment to stability and vision.

Redick’s coaching tenure also coincides with major moves on the roster. The Lakers recently locked down superstar guard Luka Doncic with a three-year, $165 million extension. Doncic, who was traded to Los Angeles last season, played alongside Redick during his final NBA campaign with the Dallas Mavericks in 2020-21, adding a layer of familiarity between the coach and the team’s centerpiece player.

With both Redick and Doncic now secured for the long haul, the Lakers appear poised to build their future around this duo.

As training camp opens, all eyes will be on how Redick shapes Year 2 of his coaching journey and whether he can push the Lakers deeper into the postseason. For now, the message from the front office is clear: Redick is the man they trust to lead them forward.