JJ Redick impressed during his rookie year as a head coach. He handled the pressure of coaching the most popular NBA team in the world with poise and professionalism. And, on the court, the Los Angeles Lakers began leaning into a new offensive and defensive system.
Even when Luka Doncic was air-dropped into the Lakers’ laps at the trade deadline, Redick integrated him with ease. As a result, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka has rewarded Redick with a contract extension, thus signaling the team’s commitment to long-term continuity.
“He’s the basketball leader in terms of our coaching and on-court performance,” Pelinka told the media on Thursday. “Getting an extension done with Luka, in addition to having LeBron choose another year with the Lakers as opposed to entering free agency, are all positive, productive things for us as a basketball team. Recently extending JJ’s contract just underscores that leadership.”
The details of Redick’s extension have not been disclosed. However, it’s fair to assume multiple years have been tacked onto his deal, keeping him in Lakerland for the foreseeable future.
The Lakers are working toward a dynasty
With Doncic now the face of the Lakers organization, they have a star they can build around for the next 10 years. Therefore, the planning process has morphed from year to year into a more long-term blueprint that includes developing an overall identity.
Pelinka hinted at that vision when discussing the mindset behind giving Redick an extension despite him only being one year into the job.
“We think he’s a special coach with a special voice that’s really helping us define the culture of Lakers excellence,” Pelinka said. “We just wanted to make a clear statement that this is what we believe in, what we’re going to lean into and what our players are going to mold into as we continue to develop the identity. I think having long-term planning is helpful as we build this team and go forward.”
Redick is made to be an NBA coach
As a former player, Redick commands the respect of the locker room. He can relate to what the players are going through, both on the court and in their personal lives. However, portraying him as a “players’ coach” wouldn’t do him justice.
Redick is also a student of the game and has shown that he excels in the Xs and Os aspect it. Last season, the Lakers ran multiple interesting and well-drilled offensive plays. He toyed with defensive concepts and implemented a reliable shell that the team could fall back on when looking to shore things up.
A new contract may have come a year too early. Yet, if the Lakers are convinced he’s the man for the job, it makes sense to make that commitment now and empower him to continue molding the team in his image.
Redick will have a new level of pressure on his shoulders this season. The Lakers will undoubtedly be expected to contend for a championship. However, he’s already proving that he can handle and navigate those pressures. Therefore, Lakers fans should be excited for the upcoming season and the brand of basketball that will be on display.