JJ Redick Praises LeBron James' 'Remarkable' Season For Lakers

The Lakers veteran coach highlighted James' commitment and production despite his advanced age and injury absence.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:07pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting LeBron James' basketball movements and court presence broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form, capturing the iconic player's continued impact and adaptability.A cubist interpretation of LeBron James' enduring impact and adaptability on the court, even in the twilight of his legendary NBA career.Los Angeles Today

In his 23rd NBA season, LeBron James continued to play at an All-Star level for the Los Angeles Lakers, despite missing the first 14 games due to injury. Lakers coach JJ Redick praised James' remarkable season, noting his daily commitment to staying in shape and suiting up for 60 of the 68 remaining games, including many back-to-backs. Redick highlighted how James altered his role to allow younger players like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to take on more creation duties, while still making history on a weekly basis and leading the team to key victories.

Why it matters

At 41 years old and in his 23rd NBA season, LeBron James continues to defy expectations and play at an elite level. His ability to adapt his game and maintain his health and production is a testament to his unparalleled work ethic and commitment to the sport. As the Lakers enter the playoffs, they will need James to return to his primary creation role with Doncic and Reaves sidelined, underscoring his continued importance to the team's success.

The details

Despite missing the first 14 games of the season due to injury, LeBron James played in 60 of the Lakers' remaining 68 games, including numerous back-to-backs. James altered his role to allow younger players like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to take on more of the primary creation duties, while still making history on a weekly basis and leading the team to key victories.

  • LeBron James missed the first 14 games of the 2025-26 NBA season due to injury.
  • James played in 60 of the Lakers' remaining 68 games after returning from injury.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA superstar in his 23rd season, who continues to play at an All-Star level for the Los Angeles Lakers despite his advanced age and recent injury absence.

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, who praised James' remarkable season and commitment to staying in shape and playing through injuries.

Luka Doncic

A young Lakers player who took on more of the primary creation duties with James altering his role this season.

Austin Reaves

Another young Lakers player who benefited from James' adjusted role, taking on more creation responsibilities.

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What they’re saying

“It's a daily commitment. You probably have to ask him exactly what it was, but I know there's things that he's cut out from his diet and there's things that he's done more of to get his body ready. I think it was really frustrating for him not to be there day one of training camp. It was really frustrating for him to not be there on opening night. He played in 60 of the 68 remaining games and he played in a bunch of back-to-backs.”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

“He had, not a good season, not a great, he had a remarkable season all things considered. You take away the fact that he's in his 23rd year and he's 41 years old, he had a remarkable season. The fact that those things are real, and they're very real in terms of the day-to-day management, it's unbelievable what he did this year.”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

What’s next

The Lakers will need LeBron James to return to his primary creation role with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined when the team kicks off its first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.

The takeaway

LeBron James' ability to adapt his game, maintain his health, and continue producing at an All-Star level in his 23rd NBA season at 41 years old is a testament to his unparalleled work ethic and commitment. As the Lakers enter the playoffs, they will rely heavily on James' leadership and playmaking to overcome key injuries to younger stars.