Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed during Thursday’s media session that he has not finalized the team’s starting lineup for the 2025–26 season. Redick emphasized that determining starters is not his current priority as the team prepares for training camp next week.
Redick, entering his second season as head coach, highlighted the Lakers’ depth at multiple positions. “We certainly have a number of players you could call seven or eight starter-level players in the NBA,” he said. He noted that last season’s official starting lineup, which began eight games together, expanded to 24 different lineups across the year, underlining his flexible approach.
The coach stressed a philosophy centered on process over early lineup decisions. “It’s not that important to me. I haven’t spent a ton of time thinking about it,” Redick added, noting the team will evaluate options in practice settings. He also underscored the value of player versatility and shared roles, especially with stars LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reeves. “In a team sport, you have no choice but to share. Share the basketball, share the spotlight,” he said.
The Lakers’ roster experienced significant changes this offseason, including the acquisitions of Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia. Redick praised their potential contributions, particularly emphasizing Ayton’s pick-and-roll abilities with Doncic and Reeves. Smart’s defensive and secondary ball-handling skills were also highlighted as key elements in Redick’s strategy.
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ president of basketball operations, echoed the coach’s comments on roster flexibility. He pointed to the team’s optionality under the new NBA CBA, noting that decisions regarding starters and rotations will evolve over the first 20 to 25 games of the season. “We have a high level of confidence in this group,” Pelinka said, adding that early assessments will guide potential roster adjustments.
