Head coach JJ Redick sees something different in the Los Angeles Lakers roster he will coach during the 2026-27 campaign.
After an offseason built around Luka Doncic, he believes Los Angeles now has personnel whose roles complement each other more naturally.
During Thursday’s media session, Redick described this “group is probably the first time in my three years that I feel like the pieces actually fit together.”
The remark came as the Lakers prepare for their first campaign without LeBron James since 2017-18.
Although Redick did not mention James while making the observation, the timing of the comment drew attention because the organization spent much of the summer changing the roster following James’ departure.
Instead of trying to accommodate two superstar-centered styles, Los Angeles has moved firmly toward the Doncic era.
Redick indicated that players will enter the season knowing exactly what is expected from them and what they must provide to earn minutes.
“There is a very clear ask for you to be able to play. And if you don’t do those things, then you’re not gonna play,” he said. “That’s just the reality.”
James informed the Lakers in July that he was leaving after eight seasons with the franchise before signing a two-year, $7.95 million veteran-minimum contract with Philadelphia.
His exit was followed by a wider roster overhaul overseen by Rob Pelinka. Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes and Luke Kennard were among the veterans who departed.
Meanwhile, the Lakers committed to Austin Reaves with a max extension and acquired Walker Kessler from Utah through a sign-and-trade.
The supporting cast was then rebuilt with several players offering different skills.
Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton were brought in to add offensive options, while Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams provide more defensive versatility.
For Redick, that depth should also create competition throughout the rotation rather than guaranteeing roles based purely on reputation or experience.
“We have high confidence in these guys that they’re going to buy into that, “Reddick said. “It’s going to create naturally healthy competition, and everybody at some point will inevitably get a chance to impact our team and impact winning.”
