JJ Redick confirms LeBron James is in a great mental space ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season

LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and one of the greatest players in league history, has officially ended weeks of speculation about his immediate future by exercising his $52.6 million player option to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025–26 NBA season.

The decision ensures that the upcoming campaign will mark LeBron’s eighth season in the purple and gold, continuing a remarkable chapter in his storied career. Now 40 years old, James remains a cornerstone of the franchise, and despite questions about how much longer he’ll play, the Lakers are making it clear: they’re all in on LeBron for as long as he chooses to lace up his sneakers.

Although LeBron’s return for at least one more season is confirmed, his long-term future in the NBA remains the subject of widespread interest. His recent decision to delay retirement has fueled renewed hope among Lakers fans — and possibly dashed the aspirations of other teams that were quietly monitoring the situation. LeBron has been noncommittal about how many seasons he has left, but his continued high-level play makes him an invaluable asset on and off the court.

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Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka emphasized the organization’s deep commitment to the four-time MVP, stating that the team is fully aligned with LeBron’s timeline and is ready to support him through the final stretch of his illustrious career.

“LeBron is not just the face of this franchise; he’s a pillar of excellence in the league,” Pelinka said. “We want him to finish his career in a Lakers uniform and we’ve built a roster around that goal.”

One of the most intriguing storylines entering the 2025–26 season is the Lakers’ new roster construction, which is no longer solely built around LeBron. The acquisition of Luka Dončić, who joined the Lakers in a blockbuster trade during the 2025 offseason, gives the franchise a powerful new dynamic — a generational superstar who can carry the torch from James in the years to come.

Dončić, still in his prime, brings elite scoring, playmaking, and leadership to the Lakers — all of which are expected to complement LeBron’s versatile skill set. The duo is widely viewed as one of the most potent combinations in the NBA heading into the season.

“I talked to LeBron and had 2 great in person meeting with him.

I came away from that knowing he’s gonna give his absolute best.”

– JJ Reddick on Lebron pic.twitter.com/pEXnBz6Kfb

— Coach🧪📋 (@LALdesk) September 25, 2025

The Lakers also made key offseason additions to solidify the supporting cast, including veteran shooters and perimeter defenders aimed at boosting the team’s championship aspirations. With this balanced mix of experience and youth, the Lakers are positioned to make a serious run in what will be a competitive Western Conference.

At the center of this revamped Lakers squad is JJ Redick, who is entering his second season as head coach after signing a multi-year contract extension. The former NBA sharpshooter turned analyst-turned-coach continues to enjoy the trust of Lakers leadership and has been praised for his basketball IQ, player relationships, and communication style.

Redick spoke to media during NBA Media Day, sharing insights into his recent conversations with LeBron and the team’s preparation for training camp.

“I talk to LeBron quite frequently,” Redick said. “We had two great in-person meetings. One was out in the Hamptons, where we had dinner in Sag Harbor right around free agency. The second was here in L.A. a couple of weeks ago. I came away from both knowing he’s in a great place mentally, and I know he’s going to give us his absolute best this season.”

Redick’s relationship with James and Dončić will be crucial to the team’s success. As a coach who understands the nuances of modern basketball and maintains credibility as a former player, Redick is uniquely positioned to guide this star-studded group.

As the 2025–26 season draws closer, the looming question remains: Will this be LeBron James’ final season in the NBA?

While neither James nor the Lakers have confirmed any retirement plans, the tone surrounding the season feels different. At 40, with nearly two decades of dominance, four MVP awards, four NBA championships, and countless accolades, LeBron is playing on borrowed time — and making it count.

His decision to return for another year is not just about chasing titles; it’s also about mentorship, legacy, and finishing his career on his terms. The arrival of Dončić could allow LeBron to take on a more strategic role while still contributing at a high level.

For fans and analysts alike, the 2025–26 NBA season offers something special: one more opportunity to watch a living legend continue his pursuit of greatness — possibly for the final time.

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