The handshake that never was: A coach’s quiet summation of two dinners and a few candid moments just takes on frame now as the Lakers’ most sensitive storyline.

JJ Redick dropped the main beat late – and clean. In a recent conversation, Redick said, “Yeah, I mean, I can handle that. I’ve spoken to LeBron fairly frequently and had two great meetings with him in person. One, he finally made it out to the Hamptons, so he and I had dinner in Sag Harbor right around free agency. And then I could spend some time with him here in L.A. a couple of weeks ago. I came away from that thinking that he’s in a great spot mentally and I know he’s gotta give us his absolute best. So yeah, I mean, he’s a great guy.” 

That little passage, that unflinchingly cool and carefully structured passage, sums up the entire story in one sentence: LeBron James consulted, apparently still committed, mentally seems to be together through a transition.

Redick’s words fall where the narrative of the franchise needs them most: reassurance. By putting the meetings up front, he signals that the pivot toward Luka Doncic has not been sprung on LeBron James without dialogue. The coach frames those talks as personal and positive – two dinners, in-person time, no drama – intentionally influencing how fans are supposed to interpret the bigger change in team leadership.

Luka Doncic‘s off-season work, huge weight loss, strict diet, and intense training, followed by a EuroBasket in which he averaged 34.7 points-gives some context as to why the Lakers might lean into his on-court leadership. Those efforts, and the dominance of Luka’s play during the summer, mean the shift isn’t just narrative, it’s on-court justification. Yet even as Luka’s star continues to rise, Redick’s comment helps remind readers that LeBron James remains central to the club’s day-to-day culture and competitive objectives.

The 2024-25 Lakers ended 50-32, won the Pacific Division, but took the first round of optimism with a first-round, 1-4, playoff loss. That disappointment amplified questions of leadership, depth, and identity. Redick’s conferences with LeBron James – and his public summation of them – work towards keeping the ship steady: keeping LeBron in and around the ship, while allowing Luka the space his offseason form requires.

Public comments from both players have already painted a picture of admiration between them: LeBron James has spoken highly of Luka’s pace and character, while Luka has called LeBron an idol and “a dream come true” to play alongside. Redick’s disclosure that these one-on-one conversations were positive dovetails with that public respect, making it plausible the transition will be collaborative rather than contentious. 

Risks and realities: LeBron James and co.’s depth and playoff failure

But the picture is not all assurance. The team’s early playoff exit, defensive inconsistencies, and a near-$195m payroll are indicative of limits. Even if LeBron James is prepared to give his best mentally, there are roster construction and bench production to be made, which will dictate whether a leadership pivot turns into playoff success. Redick’s measured optimism still has to be tested on both ends of the court.

Redick’s quote is masterfully minimalistic – enough detail to be reassuring, not too much to inflame. That’s the point. The coach provides the fans with what they wanted (yes, talks happened) and the tone they needed (LeBron James is healthy in mindset and committed). If the Lakers are to make a true ‘pivot’ to Luka while continuing to project championship intent, this is the script for them to follow: candid internal conversation, public cohesion, and performance that validates the narrative.

 The pivot toward Luka Doncic looks less like a coup and more like a passing of on-court reins that was negotiated at dinner tables and on practice courts. For now, the Lakers’ story is the one for a partnership in progress-and Redick’s line is the calm at its center. LeBron is the anchor even as Luka revs up; that balance is the best the team can hope for to translate the promise of a good off-season into results in the playoffs.