Lakers HC JJ Redick Weighs in On Support From Jeanie Buss This Season
The Los Angeles Lakers have faced their fair share of challenges in recent seasons, both on and off the court. After a rollercoaster start to the 2024-2025 NBA season, there has been plenty of scrutiny surrounding the team’s performance and its leadership. However, amidst the noise, **Lakers head coach JJ Redick has remained calm and steadfast, largely due to the strong support he’s received from the Lakers’ owner, Jeanie Buss.
Redick, who took over as the Lakers’ head coach at the start of the season after a successful career as a player and broadcaster, has been navigating the complexities of leading one of the NBA’s most storied franchises. But his job has been made easier by the backing he’s gotten from Jeanie Buss, who has always been an influential figure in the Lakers’ organization.
The Support from Jeanie Buss
Jeanie Buss, who has been the Lakers’ owner since 2013, has long been regarded as one of the most committed and involved owners in professional sports. Under her leadership, the Lakers have seen both success (with a 2020 NBA Championship) and challenges (in terms of roster and coaching adjustments).
This season, however, Jeanie Buss’ support for Redick has been apparent in both public statements and behind-the-scenes actions. In several interviews, Buss has repeatedly spoken highly of Redick’s leadership abilities, his understanding of the game, and his ability to connect with players, especially the young stars on the team. For Redick, this public backing has provided a sense of confidence and clarity, allowing him to focus on what matters most: guiding the Lakers to success.
“I’ve been in this game long enough to know that support from ownership is everything,” Redick said in a recent interview. “Jeanie has been an incredible ally and mentor. She’s allowed me to coach this team my way, and that kind of trust means a lot, especially in a city like Los Angeles where expectations are always high.”
This kind of support is crucial for a coach, especially one who is taking over a high-pressure role with a franchise as prestigious as the Lakers. With an owner like Jeanie Buss who understands both the pressures and the potential rewards, Redick has been given the stability he needs to build his coaching philosophy and integrate his style of play into the team’s system.
Jeanie Buss’ Leadership and Understanding
Jeanie Buss has been instrumental in creating a positive and supportive environment for her coaches and players alike. Known for being patient and deliberate in her decisions, Buss has worked hard to establish a culture that combines tradition with a progressive outlook. While the Lakers are a franchise that prides itself on its winning history, Buss has demonstrated a willingness to adapt and change when necessary to keep the team competitive.
In recent years, as the team has undergone multiple roster overhauls and coaching changes, Jeanie Buss has been consistent in her approach—she’s not one to make rash decisions based on immediate results, but rather she looks at the long-term development of the team. This has been evident in how she’s handled the transition from Frank Vogel to JJ Redick, and how she has consistently voiced her confidence in Redick’s ability to take the Lakers to new heights.
“We’re committed to building a winning culture, and JJ embodies what we are trying to achieve here,” Buss explained earlier in the season. “His basketball intelligence, leadership, and vision for this team align perfectly with what we want to accomplish. I trust his process.”
This trust has been a key factor in Redick’s ability to settle into his new role without the looming pressures of job insecurity. It has allowed him to focus on developing the Lakers’ younger players, refining the team’s strategy, and ensuring that the squad stays motivated throughout the long NBA season.
Redick’s Coaching Philosophy and Influence
Redick’s coaching philosophy has centered around building an efficient offensive system while also maintaining a strong defensive presence. He’s known for his analytical approach to the game, having spent years studying the sport and understanding the nuances that separate the best teams from the rest. Under his guidance, the Lakers have adopted a modern, fast-paced offensive scheme that emphasizes spacing, ball movement, and three-point shooting.
Although Redick is still a rookie head coach in the NBA, his experience as a player and broadcaster has given him a unique perspective on how to manage personalities and relationships within the locker room. He has cultivated a reputation for being a player’s coach, one who listens and values input from his players but also knows when to be firm.
Lakers’ star LeBron James, who has seen many coaches come and go during his illustrious career, has spoken highly of Redick’s leadership style.
“JJ is a guy who knows the game inside and out,” LeBron said. “He’s been through the grind as a player, and now as a coach, he’s been great at communicating with us and putting us in positions where we can succeed. He’s given us a lot of freedom to express ourselves, but at the same time, he holds us accountable.”
Redick’s approach has been well-received by players like LeBron, Anthony Davis, and the younger members of the squad. His ability to balance discipline with a focus on individual player growth has been one of the highlights of his first season at the helm. In turn, the team’s performance has improved, and the Lakers have found themselves near the top of the Western Conference standings as the season progresses.
A Season of High Expectations
With the Lakers being one of the most high-profile teams in the NBA, expectations are always sky-high. Redick has learned quickly that the pressure in Los Angeles is ever-present, but with the support of Jeanie Buss, he’s been able to navigate those expectations with a steady hand.
Buss, a former player herself, understands the mental and emotional demands that come with being part of the Lakers. Her leadership has created an environment where the team can focus on the long-term goals without feeling burdened by the media storm that often surrounds the Lakers. This has been vital in ensuring the team stays grounded, even when they hit rough patches during the season.
“There are always ups and downs in any NBA season, but when you have ownership that is focused on the bigger picture, it makes all the difference,” Redick remarked. “Jeanie has been nothing but supportive, and I’m extremely grateful for that. It allows me to stay focused on my job and build something special here.”
Looking Ahead
As the Lakers continue to battle for playoff positioning, Redick’s ability to lead and stay true to his philosophy will be critical to the team’s success. With Jeanie Buss in his corner, Redick knows that he has the backing and trust he needs to execute his vision for the Lakers.
The road ahead will undoubtedly have its challenges, but with a supportive owner and a talented roster, the Lakers remain a team to watch in the 2024-2025 season. For Redick, this season represents an opportunity to prove himself as a head coach, and the support from Jeanie Buss has made that journey all the more fulfilling.
In the end, the partnership between JJ Redick and Jeanie Buss is one built on mutual respect and a shared vision for the future of the Lakers. With their combined leadership, the team is poised to contend for championships for years to come, knowing they have the backing of both the organization and the passionate Lakers fanbase.