Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick emphasized the importance of discipline and consistency during his first media session of the 2025 training camp on Tuesday. Redick outlined the team’s three core priorities: championship habits, championship communication, and championship shape.
Redick addressed player participation, noting that LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, and Adou Thiero were on modified or return-to-play protocols. “We’re playing the long game with LeBron,” he said, adding, “He probably did too much last year in camp… so it’ll be a slower process leading into the first game.”
Gabe Vincent’s knee management was expected to allow him to play Friday, while Marcus Smart was on a slow ramp-up from Achilles tendonopathy. Redick said, “Nothing lied today. We expect him to be fine by next week.”
Highlighting standout performances, Redick praised Luka Doncic, saying, “Luka was pretty good… I think a lot of times in camp, you’re doing drills and constrained games, but the group really stood out with our energy and physicality.” He also noted the importance of communication: “We’re asking these guys to have championship communication, and I thought our talk was really good today.”
Redick emphasized building internal standards over external pressures. “You don’t come in day one and say, ‘Okay, this is perfect,’” he said. “It takes a bit of time to build, but we’ll be very clear with what the expectations are.”
Addressing the team’s philosophy, Redick said, “There are no shortcuts to success. There’s too much talent, too much balance… you have to be committed on a daily basis to those things.”
On LeBron’s limited live participation, Redick confirmed, “Yes, there are ways just through osmosis… we’ll see a fun exercise next week,” noting that the veteran can still integrate with the team even if not fully in live scrimmages.
Tying the priorities to in-game execution, Redick said, “All three of our priorities tie in together… you have to be in shape to recognize spacing and know what we’re trying to get on a possession in real time.”
Redick also introduced the team’s season theme: “Obsession.” He said, “Understanding the priorities of the job and being obsessed with those and committed on a daily basis… that’s what determines great players. That’s what determines great teams.”
