Breaking: Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick Assures Fans Team Is Ready—and Desperate Enough—to Shake Up Roster and Bring Back a Surprise Name

Breaking: Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick Assures Fans Team Is Ready—and Desperate Enough—to Shake Up Roster and Bring Back a Surprise Name

 

In a bold and candid interview this week, newly appointed Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick sent shockwaves through the NBA community, signaling that the storied franchise is prepared to make aggressive roster moves this offseason — including the potential return of a name few fans expected to hear again.

 

Redick, who took the reins following a tumultuous 2024 season, spoke openly about the Lakers’ current state and the urgency to maximize what could be the final championship window for LeBron James. The team, he said, is “fully aware of the stakes” and ready to “explore every possible avenue” to regain its championship form.

 

“We’re not just looking to tweak around the edges,” Redick told reporters. “We’re talking about making real adjustments, even if that means bringing back someone the fans haven’t thought about in a while. If it helps us win, we’re not ruling anything out.”

 

While Redick stopped short of naming names, speculation immediately erupted online. Fans and analysts began to buzz about former Lakers who could potentially make a dramatic return. Among the names floated were D’Angelo Russell — should he opt out and then return on a restructured deal — or even veteran Dwight Howard, who previously rejoined the Lakers in 2019 to play a key role in their 2020 title run.

 

Redick emphasized that the front office, led by GM Rob Pelinka, is working closely with him to evaluate “every fit, every piece, and every opportunity.”

 

“There’s no pride in sticking with what didn’t work. This team has history, it has expectations, and I didn’t take this job to play it safe,” Redick said. “We’re all in.”

 

The Lakers’ offseason plans remain under wraps, but with the draft, free agency, and possible trades looming, Redick’s comments suggest fans should brace for a potentially surprising — and possibly nostalgic — shake-up.

 

As the NBA world watches closely, one thing is clear: under JJ Redick’s leadership, the Lakers are entering the summer with a sense of urgency and a willingness to make bold moves, even if it means turning to an unexpected name from the past.