JJ Redick’s take on area of need points to LeBron James uncertainty with Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers were swept out of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on Monday night, as the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder advanced to the Western Conference Finals, 115-110. One day later, the Lakers brass held their exit interviews.

Head coach J.J. Redick spent a good deal of time at the podium, addressing several topics. The elephant in the room pertains to the future of LeBron James.

James, 41, just finished his 23rd season in the NBA. He played incredibly well during the Lakers’ playoff run, prompting hope that he would return to Los Angeles.

Redick, like everyone else, will have to wait on LeBron’s decision on whether he retires. Redick acknowledged things the team must improve upon, with one pointing to that uncertainty. He referenced the team’s need for ball-handling depth.

Marcus Smart is the Lakers’ starting point guard. He is under contract through the 2026-27 season, with a player option for the following season. But he is not known as a great ball-handler, especially for a point guard.

Luka Doncic, who is admittedly the future of the franchise, can run point. But he is a jack of all trades offensively, similar to James.

LeBron, at times, has played the role of point guard for the Lakers. He is a great decision-maker with the ball in his hands and certainly draws defensive coverage.

Redick’s admission to the team’s need for more ball-handling may speak to his concern about a potential James retirement.

He also provided a specific aspect of the team that must improve.

“We got to be better defensively,” Redick said, per The Athletic’s Law Murray. “And, certainly, can talk about personnel, but we’re gonna assess as a staff what we did well, what we did not do well, and figure out ways to be better there.”

Los Angeles finished tied for 11th in the NBA, allowing 114.6 points per game. Despite being an improvement from seasons past, there were far too many inconsistencies on that end of the floor.

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