The future of LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers is a constant topic of conversation, especially now that he is entering his eighth season with the team and is in a contract year. Meanwhile, coach JJ Redick has secured his position with a contract extension. The lack of a long-term agreement between the Lakers and James, who exercised the $52.6 million option for the 2025-26 season, has fueled speculation about the superstar’s future.
The first thing we want to do in terms of LeBron and his future is to give him absolute respect so that he chooses his story with his family in terms of how many years he will continue playing. He has earned that right.
Rob Pelinka, president of basketball operations and general manager
We would love for LeBron’s story to be that he retired as a Laker. That would be a positive story.
Rob Pelinka
Although James’ future remains uncertain, Pelinka announced the team’s commitment to Redick, their second-year coach, who signed a four-year deal in June 2024. Although the terms of the new agreement were not announced, sources indicated that it is a multi-year extension.
Pelinka explained that the decision was based on “trust and belief” in the former NBA player, who joined the Lakers without prior experience as a head coach. Redick expressed his gratitude to Pelinka, interim Lakers governor Jeanie Buss, and new Lakers owner Mark Walter for the opportunity.It doesn’t escape me this rarity that a head coach for the first time gets an extension. I recognize how fortunate I am to be in an organization that supports me in that way.
JJ RedickRedick spoke about his connection with James and Doncic during the summer and expressed his confidence in both for the season. He also commented that he expects to see the best version of Luka and that it is his job as a coach to bring that out daily. However, Redick did not offer details about the players who will surround the star duo, without announcing the rest of his starters as he did the previous year.
