Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick shared his excitement Monday about the 2025–26 season opener against the Golden State Warriors, highlighting the championship potential with LeBron James and Luka Doncic on the roster.
“Lots of excitement. Just the fun part about this is the chaos and the challenge of every single game,” Redick said, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of an 82-game season and the problem-solving it requires.
Redick also acknowledged the importance of having top-tier talent on the team. “When you have those guys on your team… you have expectations, and there are championship goals, and that’s what you’re playing for,” he said, referring to James and Doncic alongside other core players.
The Lakers enter the season without LeBron, who is sidelined with a nerve issue, though Redick noted that the star forward continues individual work. Players like Bronny James, Maxi Kleber, and Jarred Vanderbilt remain active participants in practice.
Redick pointed to the team’s culture as a critical component of success, praising players like Gabe Vincent for consistency and leadership. “Energy, positivity, enthusiasm, being a great teammate, being coachable… you want those guys in your building every day,” he said.
The coach also highlighted the buy-in from players during challenging situations. Discussing last season’s playoffs, Redick noted, “They all understood… you’re trying to win a basketball game. It’s not personal. That kind of response creates a sense of trust and buy-in.”
Looking ahead to opening night, Redick said the matchup against the Warriors adds excitement due to past rivalries. “The Steph-LeBron matchup has always been awesome… Being a part of that was really cool,” he said, recognizing the national spotlight the Lakers often attract.
Despite LeBron’s absence, Redick said the Lakers are prepared for the first two games and are using the preseason to strategize for the challenges ahead. The team faces Golden State Wednesday, followed by Minnesota on Friday, providing a quick test for the squad’s depth and cohesion.
With Doncic now fully integrated into the Lakers’ lineup, Redick believes the combination of All-Stars and established leaders sets a tone for the season. “When you have a top-five player on your team… that’s the goal,” he said, underscoring the team’s focus on competing for a championship.
