Inside the Lakers’ Exit Interviews: Surprising Revelations That Could Change the Franchise’s Future

JJ Redick and Rob Pelinka found themselves back on the Lakers practice court this week, sitting almost exactly where they did last June when Redick stepped into the daunting role of head coach. But the landscape has shifted dramatically since then. Pelinka’s gamble on acquiring Luka Doncic not only reshaped the roster but also earned him a contract extension and a beefed-up front office role. Meanwhile, Redick, once a relative unknown on the coaching scene, has ignited a new spirit throughout the franchise, injecting a level of energy and precision that was long missing—even if that fire didn’t quite burn bright enough to get past the second-round playoff exit for a second consecutive season.

At their recent exit interviews, both men faced the unforgiving reality of falling short—losing 4-1 to a superior Minnesota Timberwolves team that simply outplayed the Lakers. Still, amid the bruises came a snapshot of growth and future promise. Pelinka expressed unwavering faith in the core trio of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves, and emphasized the pressing need to add size—specifically a center who can protect the paint and be an athletic lob threat. Redick humbly accepted the spotlight, acknowledging the tough criticisms of his coaching decisions, while making it clear he’s ready to lean hard into offseason adjustments, especially in getting the team into peak championship condition.

This moment feels less like an end and more like a fresh ignition point for a franchise hungry to turn lessons into a championship run. If you’re following the Lakers’ rebirth, this fabric of hopes, harsh truths, and strategic recalibrations is where the saga truly unfolds. LEARN MORE“And we will collectively do a better job to make sure they’re surrounded with the right pieces to have ultimate success. And we talked at the beginning what ultimate success is here. And we’re going to put in the work to allow that group of guys to win a championship.”AdvertisementExit interviews, which were conducted with players Wednesday night and with Redick and Pelinka on Thursday, give a sense of the initial autopsy — with hints and promises of what the future should hold.

Exit interviews, which were conducted with players Wednesday night and with Redick and Pelinka on Thursday, give a sense of the initial autopsy — with hints and promises of what the future should hold.

Exit interviews, which were conducted with players Wednesday night and with Redick and Pelinka on Thursday, give a sense of the initial autopsy — with hints and promises of what the future should hold.

Exit interviews, which were conducted with players Wednesday night and with Redick and Pelinka on Thursday, give a sense of the initial autopsy — with hints and promises of what the future should hold.

Exit interviews, which were conducted with players Wednesday night and with Redick and Pelinka on Thursday, give a sense of the initial autopsy — with hints and promises of what the future should hold.

Exit interviews, which were conducted with players Wednesday night and with Redick and Pelinka on Thursday, give a sense of the initial autopsy — with hints and promises of what the future should hold.

So what kind of center?

On coaching Luka Doncic

AdvertisementJJ Redick and Rob Pelinka sat in the nearly identical places on the team’s practice court as they did last June when Redick was introduced as the Lakers‘ head coach. In the time since that decision last June, a lot has changed for the Lakers.Pelinka also said he believes in the Lakers’ core.