JJ Redick wants Lakers’ trio of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James back for 2025-26
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Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said he hopes to retain Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James for next season, calling the group’s return a priority during the club’s end-of-season press conference with general manager Rob Pelinka.
“Of course we want that core to be back together,” Redick stated. He credited all three players for showing “humility” and “growth,” noting that each sacrificed at different points of the campaign. Redick highlighted Doncic’s improved conditioning, Reaves’ expanded playmaking role and James’ willingness to adjust in his 23rd NBA season.
The Lakers finished the regular season on a 16-2 run but were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the 2025 playoffs. James, who has not publicly committed to retirement, and Reaves will both become unrestricted free agents this summer if Reaves declines his player option as expected.
Pelinka acknowledged contract talks will shape the offseason while the front office searches for ways to add depth after roster limitations surfaced against Oklahoma City. Despite those challenges, Redick emphasized the importance of keeping the core intact, saying it “showed what this group can do” when roles were clearly defined.
The organization has already expressed a desire to re-sign Reaves, and league sources say the 26-year-old guard shares that interest.
Source: LakersNation.com
