Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick made pointed and joking comments about the team’s identity following LeBron James’s departure. He said the current roster’s roles appeared to fit together more clearly, then addressed online discussion about the projected lineup by saying two starting positions would not be occupied by white players.

Redick is entering his third season as Lakers coach after playoff defeats in each of his first two campaigns, including a Western Conference semi-final sweep by Oklahoma City last spring. The projected core includes Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler, alongside players such as Dalton Knecht and Maxi Kleber; Redick previously co-hosted a basketball podcast with James before James left for Philadelphia in 2026.