The Los Angeles Lakers are currently out of the playoffs after losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. The Wolves were defensively dominant while high-powered performances from Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert catapulted them to the semifinals.
Some poor defensive performances from superstar Luka Dončić, as well as uneven performances from LeBron James and the bench early in the series, stopped the Lakers from fully attaining the momentum they needed to move forward.
Despite all this, many people considered the regular season a success for the Lakers. It was the first season since 2020 that the Lakers finished in the top 3 in the West with Dončić on the roster, providing them with another facilitator and scorer.
While their first season together ended in the first round, the duo of James and Dončić could come back next year alongside new coach JJ Redick, who deserves credit for helping to get the team motivated at times on the defensive end.
Why the Lakers Shouldn’t Consider Firing JJ Redick
As fate would have it, with the Lakers losing in the first round for the second straight year, many fans are having their annual “fire the coach” discussion, which happens whenever a James-led team comes up short in the playoffs.
While the criticism leveled at previous Lakers coaches like Darvin Ham was valid, it has to be frustrating for the Lakers to change coaches and end up in the same position. Still, some small voices say it should be an option.
But according to The Athletic, Redick’s job is safe as the offseason begins. The early playoff exit notwithstanding, the Lakers organization sees something in Redick, and fans agree that he should remain the coach. Several fans took to Twitter to express how fickle NBA coaching can be, especially when discussing Redick being on the hot seat.
The Lakers are not expected to fire JJ Redick, per @TheAthletic
“The Redick experience was mostly positive, as the Lakers’ ability to earn the No. 3 seed had everything to do with his ability to connect with his players while showcasing his tactical acumen. Despite the early… pic.twitter.com/zaW2KAcpaV
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 2, 2025
wait.. was this even on the table??? lolll https://t.co/sHaAib9cSQ
— Neil Raina (@RealNeilRaina) May 2, 2025
Lmfao NBA coaching is so fickle.. https://t.co/m8rHEKJ9vZ
— #pinsio (@864gordo) May 2, 2025
Redick coached the Lakers to the third seed and a 50-win season, there’s no reason his job should be potentially at risk. He’s done enough to earn his spot as the coach of the Lakers going forward.
If the Lakers are sticking with Dončić as their future superstar, Redick makes sense as the coach for years to come. While James might decide to retire in the next year or two, it feels as though the foundation for the future is there in Dončić as the no. 1 option, Austin Reaves potentially as the no. 2, Redick as the coach, and building from that.
READ: JJ Redick Issues Clear 7-Word Message to Lakers After Upsetting Round 1 Exit
Will the Lakers make the right moves in the offseason? Are the Lakers even considering firing Redick? While there’s been no indication that he is on the hot seat within the organization, just remember, this league is unpredictable. Even the most ridiculous outcomes happen. Just ask Dončić and Anthony Davis.
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