JJ Redick had a promising first season as head coach, taking the Los Angeles Lakers to 50 wins despite various setbacks throughout the season, including losing his house in the LA wildfires. Through the offseason, he revealed a willingness to learn that extends past traditional basketball circles, because he didn’t just consult NBA vets, instead turning to football’s best minds to help sharpen his approach.

In a press conference, Redick revealed that, “I got about three hours alone with Sean [McVay], and we were picking each other’s brains, and it was very helpful,” adding that he learned about preparation, strategy, and leadership from the Rams’ head coach. From McVay, Redick adopted the idea of “utility plays,” designed to keep his three best players (Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves) engaged and effective in shared minutes.

Redick also spent time with Tom Brady, exploring principles of leadership and methodology. “It was about figuring out what’s best for the group,” he said, highlighting that his role as a coach isn’t about imposing a personal style, instead adapting the best practices from champions across various sports. This combination of McVay and Brady’s insights give Redick the framework to manage the elite talent on the Lakers’ roster and cultivate continuity.

JJ Redick didn’t stop with McVay and Brady. He told reporters, “I talked to a ton of NBA coaches, and I was fortunate to spend two days in Chicago a couple weeks ago. I picked a bunch of coaches’ brains on some things. It’s really just about continued growth for myself and my staff.” By combining the basketball knowledge from these coaches with his own insights, Redick is creating a coaching philosophy that emphasizes adaptability and accountability.

The implications for the Lakers are also significant. Redick’s NFL inspired strategies aren’t just theory; the inform major decisions, including rotations and leadership structures. By integrating lessons from basketball and football, he aims to ensure that his stars can operate at peak effectiveness while also maximizing the talents of others by applying shared responsibility and situational preparation. This way, Redick is aiming to maintain his success in upcoming seasons.

JJ Redick Reflects on Lessons from Rookie Coaching Season

JJ Redick’s first season as Los Angeles Lakers head coach was  a whirlwind, and despite him going through personal hardship, including losing his house to the LA fires, he finished with 50 wins and the #3 seed in the West. He said that the first few weeks of the offseason were critical for him, stating, “I really use those four to six weeks to do a lot of self-assessing.” He reportedly spent time with his performance coach to balance his competitive drive with the demands that come with coaching.

Reddick emphasized that he had to learn to manage his energy throughout the season. “Some of that is finding the balance of my own sort of competitive edge with what the situation requires,” he said, highlighting the process of adapting his approach to fulfill what the team needs. The Lakers showed strong statistical production throughout the season, with 113.4 points per game in the regular season, but had their weaknesses revealed by the playoffs. Minnesota beat them in five games, completely outclassing the Lakers’ size.

The Lakers value Redick’s approach, and have locked him into their future with a contract extension after just one season. Rob Pelinka indicated that the team valued his ability to connect with players and his vision for the team, and the extension highlights the belief that Redick’s growth-oriented philosophy can lead them to sustained success.