JJ Redick Reacts to LeBron's Decision, Lakers' NBA Playoff Loss to Thunder in Emotional Video
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick wasn't ready to comment or speculate on LeBron James' future following the team's season-ending, 115-110 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 of their second-round playoff series on Monday.
When asked by reporters about James' future (beginning at the 7:30 mark of the video), given that he is set to become a free agent this offseason, Redick played it close to the vest, saying, "I haven't even thought about that. We'll deal with the offseason in the offseason, which is the next two months."
The 41-year-old James has spent the past eight seasons with the Lakers, but he will have no shortage of options this offseason, including re-signing with the Lakers, signing elsewhere or retiring.
Even James himself seemed unsure of what his next step will be, telling reporters, "I think you guys asked me about [retirement], and I've answered questions. I don't think I've come out and been like, 'Oh, retirement is coming.' With my future, I don't know, honestly. It's, obviously it's still fresh from, obviously losing [the series]. And I don't know. I don't know what the future holds for me."
James is the NBA's all-time leading scorer in addition to being a four-time NBA MVP, four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA Finals MVP.
As such, he is used to being the unquestioned go-to guy for any team he plays on, but that wasn't the case this season.
Luka Dončić took centerstage as the league's leading scorer at 33.5 points per game, and even Austin Reaves finished above James in scoring with 23.3 points per contest.
LeBron was still highly productive with 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game, but the scoring average matched the lowest of his career from his rookie season.
However, with Dončić missing the Lakers' entire postseason run and Reaves missing four games due to injury, James returned to a more familiar role, and he led the team in playoff scoring with 23.2 points per game.
James and his future aside, Redick appeared emotional Monday night when discussing the end of the Lakers' 2025-26 season, telling reporters, "I think with the season end, there's always, I would say a whirlwind of emotions. Certainly feeling a sense of gratitude for our players, the Lakers, our fanbase."
Redick also praised his players for never quitting despite being down all series long, and the fans for remaining invested until the very end.
Over his two seasons at the helm in L.A., Redick has reached the playoffs twice, and he won his first playoff series as a head coach this year.
That should give him and the Lakers plenty to build upon for next season, but questions about LeBron's future will continue to loom until he makes a decision.
