LOS ANGELES — JJ Redick has already outlined his plan for the Los Angeles Lakers as they gear up for next season following their early playoff exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Redick emphasized the importance of the offseason to prepare the team to be in championship condition. “I’ll start with the offseason and the work that’s required in an offseason to be in championship shape,” he stated on Thursday, a day after the Lakers were ousted by the Wolves in a 103-96 defeat in Los Angeles.
Acknowledging the gap the Lakers must bridge, Redick remarked, “We have a ways to go as a roster. Certainly, there are individuals that were in phenomenal shape. There’s certainly others that could have been in better shape. That’s where my mind goes immediately; we have to get in championship shape.”
While Redick refrained from naming specific players, Luka Doncic’s fitness and weight had been topics of scrutiny in basketball circles, particularly after a notable trade where Dallas parted with him for Anthony Davis. Redick and Doncic share a camaraderie from their days as teammates during Redick’s final months in the NBA, leading Doncic to express high regard for Redick despite the Lakers’ recent struggles. “I think he’s a hell of a coach,” remarked Doncic. “I’m really glad I got coached by him these couple of months. It feels sometimes like I’m back in Europe a little bit, so I love it. We have a great bond. It’s been nothing but amazing with him as a coach.”
The Lakers’ inability to close out fourth quarters against Minnesota highlighted fitness issues, with the Wolves outperforming LA 127-85 in final periods. Redick contributed to the Lakers’ Game 4 downfall by sticking with a fatigued lineup after half-time, allowing the Wolves to counter with a couple of luck-aided referee calls. However, Redick conceded defeat fairly, “We lost to a better team. That’s just the reality. We did.”
The early playoff exit provides extra preparation time for the Lakers’ first full season with Doncic. General Manager Rob Pelinka expected LeBron James to play another season, although the NBA scoring leader hinted he needed time to decide on his 23rd year.
“The level of confidence in Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic is at an all-time high still,” noted Pelinka. “I think those three guys have incredible promise playing together. And we will collectively do a better job to ensure they’re surrounded with the right pieces to have ultimate success.”
Pelinka underscored Austin Reaves as a cornerstone, alongside superstars James and Doncic. Reaves, a former undrafted signee who rose to prominence, holds great value within the Lakers’ roster strategy. Pelinka and Redick emphasized retaining him as they consider roster upgrades, valuing him as a player more than a trade asset.
As Pelinka plans a potentially active offseason with notable moves across the league, his prime target remains a strong center. The absence of such plagued the Lakers in matchups where Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert dominated, especially after Redick sat Jaxson Hayes for offensive benefits. A previous trade for Charlotte’s Mark Williams fell through due to medical concerns.
“When you make a huge trade at the deadline where you trade your starting center for a point guard, of course, that’s going to create significant roster issues, and we saw some of those play out,” Pelinka commented.
Addressing the need for another wing defender and enhancing outside shooting capabilities, Pelinka is driven to build a roster tailored to Doncic and the veteran prowess of the 40-year-old James. “I think LeBron is going to have high expectations for the roster, and we’re going to do everything to meet those,” said Pelinka. “But I also know that whatever it is, he’s still going to give his 110% every night.”