Many people were skeptical that JJ Redick was the right man to be the Los Angeles Lakers' head coach when he was hired last June. Critics pointed to his lack of any coaching experience at the pro or college levels, as well as his chummy relationship with LeBron James, with whom he co-hosted the "Mind the Game" podcast, as reasons he would flounder.
But Redick got the Lakers through the first half of the season in one piece despite some real roster weaknesses. Afterward, he guided them through the major transition they went through following the Luka Doncic trade, and with Friday's 140-109 win over the Houston Rockets, they clinched the third seed in the Western Conference with a 50-31 record.
The team has come a long way since being picked to merely be a play-in tournament team or even fail to qualify for the play-in tournament as recently as three months ago. James took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to congratulate Redick for winning his 50th game of the season.
Man I was going to say something but it’s useless at this point in my career! Anyways more important CONGRATULATIONS JJ on a 50 win season in the WEST & Post Season nod! That’s 🔥🔥🔥🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🫡
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 12, 2025
James is completing yet another very productive season, and with Doncic by his side, not to mention an upgraded version of guard Austin Reaves, the sky could be the limit for the Lakers during the playoffs.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: LeBron James congratulates JJ Redick on winning 50th game of season
