Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said on May 12 that he hopes the team’s core trio of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James will return for next season. Both James and Reaves are expected to become unrestricted free agents this summer, making their future with the team uncertain.
Redick’s comments come after the Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs. The trio showed improvement over the course of the season, with Redick highlighting their development during an end-of-season press conference alongside Rob Pelinka. “I’ll repeat what Rob said. Of course we want that core to be back together,” Redick said. “I think Rob used the word humility. Each guy, I think, had to sacrifice at different points in the season and at different times. I also think for all three of those guys, and it’s crazy to say it about LeBron, but all three of those guys showed a lot of growth this year.”
Redick praised Doncic’s fitness and leadership growth following an injury earlier in the season. He also pointed out how both Reaves and James adapted their roles for team success: “I think a lot has been made about Luka’s fitness level and his dedication to that. He was great throughout the season, still in fantastic shape six weeks after an injury. But he’s also grown as a leader… LeBron, not even having to, but being challenged to and volunteering to accept a different role in Year 23… That is incredible.”
The coach noted that when James allowed Reaves more opportunities as secondary creator behind Doncic, it improved team performance: “All three of those guys… we kind of hit the apex of that in that 16-2 stretch. It showed what this group can do.” However, questions remain regarding how Los Angeles can build out its roster if both players receive large contracts.
The lack of depth was evident during their playoff series loss against Oklahoma City Thunder; addressing roster construction is expected to be a priority for management this offseason.
Both sides have expressed interest in continuing their partnership with Austin Reaves specifically mentioned as wanting to stay with Los Angeles.