Los Angeles Lakers fans might continue waiting for LeBron James’ contract extension this summer.
The front office already committed significant money to Luka Doncic with a three-year, $165 million contract, signaling their intention to build around the young superstar while LeBron’s future remains uncertain.
Rob Pelinka announced another major extension during media day, though not for LeBron James.
The Lakers front office decided to reward head coach JJ Redick with a new contract extension before training camp began.
🚨Breaking: Rob Pelinka says the Lakers have given JJ Redick a contract extension
Redick signed a four-year, $32M deal last summer and went 50-32 in his first season pic.twitter.com/zdeGmZU3BX
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 25, 2025
View Tweet
JJ Redick receives extension despite first-round playoff elimination
Redick initially signed a four-year, $32 million contract with the Lakers, though details of his extension haven’t been announced.
Last season, he helped the Lakers secure the third seed in the Western Conference before their first-round playoff elimination against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The front office apparently believes Redick remains the right leader to guide the franchise toward championship contention.
However, the extension has generated mixed reactions from the NBA community, with significant criticism directed at the decision.
Much of the conversation focuses on LeBron’s influence behind the extension rather than Redick’s coaching merits.
Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty ImagesFan backlash highlights perceived LeBron James influence over front office decisions
Social media reactions reflected widespread skepticism about the extension’s justification, with many fans attributing the decision to LeBron’s personal relationship with Redick.
“Only one of LeBron’s friends gets an extension after getting a__ blasted in round one,” one fan wrote.
Only one of LeBron’s friends get an extension after getting ass blasted in round 1
— BillyHogThornton (@BillyHogT) September 25, 2025
View Tweet
“Whatever makes LeBron happy right?” another pointed out. “Should be thanking LBJ,” added another supporter.
A contract extension for JJ Redick after one season? That’s a huge vote of confidence from the Lakers. What does this mean for the team’s long-term strategy?
— CRYTOGANJER/NOYA (@CRYPTGANJER) September 25, 2025
View Tweet
“Why not just LeBron make the announcement,” one wrote sarcastically following the extension news. “We‘ll never know if he can actually coach,“ another one added.
Why not just Lebron make the announcement. We all know he’s the real GM making the roster and contract decisions.
— Imake Libscry Order of the Patriots 9th Level (@MagatTrollHntr) September 25, 2025
View Tweet
The criticism creates additional pressure on Redick to prove his extension was merit-based rather than influenced by player preference.
Next season becomes crucial for validating the front office’s confidence in his leadership abilities.
Redick must demonstrate he can elevate the Lakers to the next level with an improved roster featuring DeAndre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia.
Similarly, Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office need to prove their decision was based on objective evaluation rather than external influence.
The extension’s success will ultimately be measured by playoff advancement rather than regular season achievements, given the franchise’s championship expectations and the criticism surrounding the timing of Redick’s reward.