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Lakers’ JJ Redick discusses team priorities for 2025-26 NBA season amid Luka Doncic dominance

In light of major roster changes, Lakers head coach JJ Redick has finally addressed the forthcoming 2025-26 NBA season. He outlined their top priorities in the championship quest, now centered around Luka Doncic's leadership.

Head coach JJ Redick and  Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers.
© Katelyn Mulcahy/Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesHead coach JJ Redick and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers.

While the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t achieve a deep playoff run, JJ Redick’s addition has been instrumental in refining their identity. The team has established a focused game plan fueled by steadfast defense. As the front office embarks on a strategic rebuild, it equips the head coach with enhanced players to chase the NBA championship. In turn, Redick has voiced his strategic vision, outlining definitive priorities for the 2025-26 season with Luka Doncic leading the team.

“We have three priorities this year and three priorities only. And that’s championship habits, championship communication, and championship shape. There’s no shortcuts to this. There’s no shortcuts to success. There’s no shortcuts to having a good season, great season, whatever… You have to be committed on a daily basis to those things,” JJ Redick said in the recent media day.

Throughout the offseason, several Lakers players have committed to significant physical transformations. Notably, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have earned high praise from teammates and the head coach for their efforts. Nonetheless, the real challenge lies in maintaining this physical consistency during the grueling NBA season, a factor that could prove pivotal come postseason.

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Moreover, JJ Redick confronts a challenging but exciting task with the arrivals of Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton, who could immediately emerge as crucial assets. Integrating these talents requires a shift from last season’s strategies, but such flexibility might be the key to unlocking their potential. Here, championship communication becomes essential, possibly transforming this squad into top contenders, with Doncic and LeBron leading the offense.

Lakers' Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass the ball in an NBA game.

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JJ Redick reflects on Lakers’ playoff loss to Timberwolves, revealing details for 2025-26 season

Despite the Lakers’ impressive 2025 playoff comeback, fans voiced concerns about their thin roster depth. This vulnerability was glaring in their series loss to the physically superior Minnesota Timberwolves. As the 2025-26 season kicks off, JJ Redick has reflected on the defeat and hinted at strategic improvements the team aims to implement this year.

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My biggest regret from the Minnesota series was our preparation leading into the series. There was a lot of discussion with our coaching staff and, ultimately, I had to make the decision about what that week looks like in practice… We weren’t physically ready to play and some of that was because of our March schedule, some of that was because of some injuries,” JJ Redick said in the latest press conference.

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Under the leadership of Redick, the Lakers are set to make waves this NBA season. He’s pushed his players to elevate their physical game while the front office has bolstered the roster’s depth. With Luka Doncic’s exceptional skill and LeBron James’ veteran experience, the team aims to reclaim its prominence. Furthermore, the head coach will benefit from a full roster right from the start of training camp, allowing for more intensive preparation.

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