JJ Redick Makes Lakers’ Priority Clear After Playoff Collapse

The Los Angeles Lakers head into a massive offseason filled with questions after being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder, but one thing is already clear: JJ Redick wants his star trio back together next season.

With LeBron James and Austin Reaves both expected to hit unrestricted free agency this summer alongside Luka Doncic already locked in as the franchise centerpiece, the Lakers now face the difficult challenge of trying to keep their core intact while also improving the roster around them.

During the Lakers’ end-of-season press conference, Redick made it obvious where the organization stands regarding Doncic, Reaves and James moving forward.

“I’ll repeat what Rob said. Of course we want that core to be back together,” Redick said. “I think Rob used the word humility. Each guy, I think, had to sacrifice at different points in the season and at different times. I also think for all three of those guys, and it’s crazy to say it about LeBron, but all three of those guys showed a lot of growth this year.”

The Lakers did not immediately look dominant after bringing the trio together. There were clear adjustment periods throughout the season as roles continued evolving, especially after Doncic fully took over primary ball-handling duties.

But once everything clicked, Los Angeles looked like one of the best teams in basketball during a dominant 16-2 stretch late in the year.

Redick specifically praised Doncic’s development both physically and as a leader throughout the season.

“I think a lot has been made about Luka’s fitness level and his dedication to that,” Redick said. “He was great throughout the season, still in fantastic shape six weeks after an injury. But he’s also grown as a leader. I think that was one of the challenges coming into the season that we presented him with. He grew in that regard, Austin grew in that regard. LeBron, not even having to, but being challenged to and volunteering to, accept a different role in Year 23,” Redick said. “That is incredible. All three of those guys, I think, we kind of hit the apex of that in that 16-2 stretch. It showed what this group can do.”