(Image Source – Getty Images) JJ Redick is making it known that the Los Angeles Lakers are not playing it safe. With his contract extension running through 2029-30, the team is placing faith in his vision. But it’s more than just money or trophies, training camp is intense, full-court sprints are leaving players wiped out, and the pressure is real. Whether this toughness will pay off in the 2025-26 season or just cause stars to complain, fans are watching intently.
Los Angeles Lakers look to build a more flexible lineup around LeBron James and Luka Doncic
After getting knocked out of the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers made some smart moves to strengthen their team. They brought in center DeAndre Ayton for better rim protection and rebounding, guard Marcus Smart to ramp up the defensive intensity, and young wing Jake LaRavia to enhance depth and future potential.These enhancements are meant to bolster stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic, creating a more flexible lineup. General manager Rob Pelinka shared these details during a joint press conference with JJ Redick on September 25, 2025.JJ Redick’s loyalty to the team was affirmed with a contract extension that lasts until the 2029-30 season, which Pelinka announced on the same day. The agreement, said to be worth about $45 million, shows the organization’s trust following JJ Redick’s first season. During the press conference, JJ Redick thanked Pelinka, acting governor Jeanie Buss, and owner Mark Walter.Luka Doncic commended the decision at media day on September 30, 2025, telling reporters, “I like everything about it. The way he communicates with us, with me, with the whole team. The way he studies the game, the way he approaches the game.”As LeBron James kicks off his 23rd season, having opted into his $52.6 million deal for 2025-26, he continues to be a player in a contract year, which stirs up talk about what’s next for him.
JJ Redick sets championship shape standards with defense pace and physicality at the core
JJ Redick has made it clear what he means by “championship shape” for his players. In a chat with ESPN on October 2, 2025, he showed three main indicators: “Are we sprinting back defensively? Are we playing with pace offensively? And I would include our ability to crash and then get back on defense in that. And then are we being physical? So if those things are being done at a really high level, we’re in shape.” This philosophy tackles the issues in the playoffs, where physicality and execution fell short.Doncic echoed this in the same ESPN piece, expanding it beyond the physical: “It’s not just physical shape, it’s mental shape, too. Both are very important.” The method takes inspiration from JJ Redick’s analytical experience, pointing out aspects such as off-ball screens and transition defense, which were evident in the early-season tweaks from last year.The training camp kicked off on September 30, 2025, at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, and it’s been tough. The practices wrap up with full-court sprints, which really wear the players out but help them get better.After Day 3 on October 2, 2025, JJ Redick shared with reporters, “I can say we’re in better shape than we were three days ago. And I feel like our group is talking more than we were three days ago.” He joined the sprints himself, admitting it might dent his popularity but build unity.Training camp has faced its share of challenges. LeBron James missed the first game because of some glute nerve irritation, which JJ Redick mentioned on September 30, 2025, was minor, adding that James “probably overdid it” during the last camp.Maxi Kleber has been sidelined with a quad injury since Day 1, according to JJ Redick’s report on October 1, 2025. Other players like Gabe Vincent (knee), Marcus Smart (Achilles), and rookie Adou Thiero (knee) also had limited participation at the start.Doncic is taking it easy after a crazy offseason, aligning with JJ Redick’s emphasis on fitness. The preseason starts on October 3, 2025, against Phoenix minus James and the Los Angeles Lakers are aiming for 55+ wins in a challenging West.JJ Redick’s phrases like “Championship Habits, Championship Communication, Championship Shape” are all over the facility, showing a cultural transformation. If they maintain this, it might result in a deeper playoff experience.Also Read: WNBA Finals 2025: How to watch Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury, schedule, key players and more