“IMMEDIATELY AFTER A STRING OF LOSING GAMES THAT SUDDENLY BREATHED, LEBRON JAMES SUDDENLY THROWN HIS PHONE, TURNED OUT, AND SENT JJ REDICK A MESSAGE AS SHARP AS A KNIFE—ONE THAT LEFT THE ENTIRE BOXER ROOM AS SILENT AS THE AIR WAS SUCKED.” In a locker room filled with sweat and frustration, where the sound of ice being wrapped around ankles echoed dryly like the rhythm of pressure, LeBron sat motionless for a few seconds—his eyes red with exhaustion or anger, unclear—before standing up and walking toward JJ Redick with the air of a man who had just been pushed to the limit; The cold white fluorescent light fell on his face, highlighting the veins in his temples that were throbbing, and in the moment everyone around him held their breath in anticipation, LeBron let out a low, short, but powerful sentence that sent the room into slow motion, leaving the chilling feeling that this wasn’t just a message… but the opening command of a turning point that could very well reshape the Lakers’ entire season—or burn it all down if they didn’t listen.

LeBron James sends strong message to JJ Redick after Lakers’ 50th win

Lakers All-Star LeBron James reacts to head coach JJ Redick capturing his 50th win of the regular season on social media.

As Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick’s first season on the bench comes to an end, Lakers All-Star LeBron James gave his rookie coach flowers for winning 50 games.

As Redick shifts his attention to the postseason with championship aspirations, James congratulated JJ following a 140-109 blowout win against the Houston Rockets in Los Angeles’ final home game of the regular season. James praised Redick for a successful 2024-25 on his X, formerly Twitter, account.

“Man I was going to say something but it’s useless at this point in my career! Anyways more important CONGRATULATIONS JJ on a 50 win season in the WEST & Post Season nod!” James said, accompanied by fire, hand-praise, and salute emojis.

The Lakers improved to 50-31, clinching the third seed in the Western Conference behind the Rockets (52-29) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (67-14). Luka Doncic’s 39 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists led the way. Austin Reaves finished with 23 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, and Lakers All-Star LeBron James added 14 points, eight assists, and four rebounds.

JJ Redick drops truth bomb on first season as Lakers head coach

Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
After capturing his 50th regular-season win, Lakers head coach JJ Redick reflected on his long-term goals. With championship aspirations, Redick reminded reporters of what the Lakers aim for in the playoffs.

“It’s not done. I spent all of 3½ minutes on the flight back from Dallas just thinking about making the playoffs and thinking about the coaching profession. I think as a coach, you’re obviously judged on regular-season wins and losses and your ability to get to the playoffs.

“But I think the other two things that you’re really judged on are the way you’re really able to handle the pressure of the playoffs, the adjustments, the in-game stuff; there’s still so much work that we have to do.”

The Lakers will face the Trail Blazers in their regular-season finale on Sunday.