Dave McMenaminSep 25, 2025, 07:14 PM ETCloseLakers and NBA reporter for ESPN. Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09.Follow on X
What will determine LeBron’s Lakers future? (1:52)Shams Charania and Ramona Shelburne analyze what LeBron James’ future might look like entering the last year of his deal with the Lakers. (1:52)
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — While LeBron James enters his eighth season with the Los Angeles Lakers in a contract year, coach JJ Redick’s future with the team is much more clear after being signed to an extension.
Rob Pelinka, president of basketball operations and general manager, insisted Thursday that the Lakers hope to remain in the LeBron business as long as the four-time champion wants to be with them.
Pelinka said the Lakers built a “really competitive, strong team” with which to win for both James and Luka Doncic.
Pelinka was then asked if the Lakers would be interested in re-signing James in the summer of 2026, if he decided at that point he wanted to extend his career.
“We would love if LeBron’s story would be he retired a Laker,” Pelinka said, echoing a sentiment he has shared before. “That would be a positive story.”
Pelinka said the decision came down to “confidence and belief” in the former 15-year NBA veteran, who joined the Lakers without previous head coaching experience.
“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 expressed gratitude to Pelinka, Lakers acting governor Jeanie Buss and new Lakers owner Mark Walter for the opportunity.
“It’s not lost on me, this sort of rarity of a first-time head coach getting an extension,” Redick said Thursday. “I recognize how fortunate I am to be in an organization that supports me in that way.”
“[James is] in a great spot mentally and know he’s going to give us his absolute best,” Redick said. “… I expect the best version of Luka, and it’s my job as a coach to bring that out on a daily basis.”
“Not going to spend too much time banging my head against the wall on that before we have a practice.”
What will determine LeBron’s Lakers future? (1:52)Shams Charania and Ramona Shelburne analyze what LeBron James’ future might look like entering the last year of his deal with the Lakers. (1:52)
Shams Charania and Ramona Shelburne analyze what LeBron James’ future might look like entering the last year of his deal with the Lakers. (1:52)
CloseLakers and NBA reporter for ESPN. Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09.Follow on X