TITLE: Redick Says Contract-Year Anxiety Is Disrupting Lakers’ Offense
SLUG: redick-says-contract-year-anxiety-is-disrupting-lakers-offense
CONTENT:
LOS ANGELES — Lakers head coach JJ Redick believes worries about future contracts are seeping into his team’s offensive execution.
Following Thursday night’s loss to the Clippers, Redick said several players are preoccupied with upcoming free agency and option decisions, a mindset he feels is visible on the court.
“Guys are worried about their futures,” Redick told reporters, according to the Los Angeles Times. “That’s what happens when you’ve got a team full of free agents and player options. It gets in your head a little bit. Played five minutes and haven’t got a shot yet. That’s a human thing. It’s not anybody’s fault.”
The Lakers roster includes multiple players who can reach free agency this summer or hold future player options. Redick suggested that individual concerns over touches and statistics are limiting the club’s rhythm, pace and decision-making.
Veteran guard Marcus Smart, who holds a player option for the 2026-27 season, acknowledged the challenge of ignoring contract situations but echoed his coach’s call for a team-first approach.
“It is tough,” Smart said. “You’ve got guys fighting for contracts, fighting to stay on the team, and other guys who are more secure. But we’re all professionals. We’ve got to do our jobs. The human element comes into play sometimes, and you’ve got to snap out of it quicker than what we are doing.”
Redick emphasized that the Lakers’ offensive issues will improve only if players trust the system and each other rather than chase individual numbers. The team will continue its road trip this weekend.
Source: Hoops Wire
