Lakers extend JJ Redick’s contract, leave LeBron’s future in his hands

LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, has put an end to speculation surrounding his Los Angeles Lakers future by exercising his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season.

The upcoming campaign marks LeBron’s eighth season in the purple and gold, and while the 40-year-old’s long-term plans remain unclear, Lakers brass have made it known they’re fully committed to him for as long as he chooses to play.

“The first thing we want to do in terms of LeBron and his future is give him absolute respect to choose his story with his family — in terms of how many years he’s going to continue to play. He’s earned that right,” said Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka during a press conference early Friday morning, September 26 (Philippine Standard Time).

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Pelinka emphasized the franchise’s desire to see LeBron finish his storied career in Los Angeles and highlighted the team’s strengthened roster — built not just around James, but also star guard Luka Dončić.

🚨Breaking: Rob Pelinka says the Lakers have given JJ Redick a contract extension

Redick signed a four-year, $32M deal last summer and went 50-32 in his first season pic.twitter.com/zdeGmZU3BX

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 25, 2025

“We would love if LeBron’s story ended with him retiring as a Laker. That would be a positive story,” Pelinka added.

While James’ future remains a hot topic, one area with no uncertainty is the Lakers’ confidence in head coach JJ Redick, who reportedly signed a multiyear contract extension. Redick, now in his second season at the helm, originally inked a four-year deal in June 2024.

“Just to make it clear — he is the basketball leader in terms of our coaching and on-court performance,” said Pelinka. “We think he’s a special coach with a special voice that’s really helping us define the culture of Lakers excellence. Long-term planning is critical as we continue to shape this team’s identity.”

Redick, for his part, confirmed productive offseason conversations with both James and Dončić.

“LeBron is in a great place mentally, and we know he’s going to give us his absolute best,” Redick said. “I also expect the best version of Luka, and it’s my job as a coach to bring that out of him every day.”

As the Lakers gear up for the 2025–26 season, all eyes will be on how this newly fortified roster performs — and whether this will be the final chapter of LeBron James’ legendary career.

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