LeBron James backs JJ Redick after loss to Timberwolves

LeBron James has voiced his support for Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick following the team’s first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite the disappointing end to their 2024-25 campaign, James made it clear that the team did not question Redick’s leadership or game-time decisions.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Mind the Game podcast with co-host Steve Nash, James addressed Redick’s decision-making during the series and emphasized that the locker room remained unified behind the coaching staff.

“None of us questioned it. None of us questioned JJ and the coaching staff for what happened,” James said, referring to the lineup and rotation decisions made during the series. “Obviously, Gabe [Vincent] and Vando [Jarred Vanderbilt], guys that come, you know, given us so many great minutes. They definitely felt a way and you know, because they’re competitors. S**t we all feel like we could get in and make a moment happen which JJ told us… it wasn’t a decision that was based on guys not being able to do the job. It was his decision based on the feeling of the game, and the momentum of the game.”

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The Lakers were eliminated by the Timberwolves in five games, ending a season that saw them finish with a 50-32 record. While expectations were high following a strong finish to the regular season, Los Angeles struggled to generate consistent offense against Minnesota’s top-ranked defense.

Redick, in his first season as an NBA head coach, faced scrutiny following the early postseason exit. Some criticism centered on rotational choices, including the limited usage of key contributors such as Vincent and Vanderbilt. James, however, dismissed any notion that the coaching staff lost the trust of the players.