LeBron James is getting real on JJ Redick amid a strong start to the season in Los Angeles

LeBron James is offering rare insights into his relationship with Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick as the team continues one of its strongest starts in recent memory. On the latest episode of Mind the Game, which he co-hosted with Hall of Famer Steve Nash, James spoke candidly about Redick’s leadership and the tone he’s setting for the roster moving forward through early-season adversity.

A promotional clip shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, ahead of the release of the Black Friday episode, showed James breaking down the traits that fueled Redick’s rapid success on the sidelines.

“You look at JJ’s basketball career since high school — he’s been a winner his whole life,” James said. “He was taught to play the right way and it wasn’t getting in touch with the coaches that got him to the position he is in today.”

James compared Redick’s direct communication style to the structure he experienced under Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski, noting that accountability and clarity are central to Redick’s approach.

“When JJ, he’s the same way — he’s right to the point,” James said. “This is how we want to play, and if I see that possession is not up to our standards, I will show you my reaction. It’s not about putting you down – it’s about understanding what we’re trying to build.”

JJ Redick was taught the game the right way, now he carries the torch and sugarcoats nothing.

The special Black Friday episode airs tomorrow 11/28 at 6am PT. Link in bio. pic.twitter.com/oeTVmudn8j

— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) November 27, 2025

The guidance of JJ Redick and the return of LeBron James are fueling the Lakers’ rise

James emphasized that he has always welcomed the hard work of coaching, citing his formative years under longtime high school coach Keith Dambrot.

Redick has led the Lakers to a 13-4 start in his second year as head coach despite early-season injuries, including James’ delayed debut due to a sciatic injury. Under Redick, the Lakers excelled at protecting late leads; his 57–4 record entering the fourth quarter is the best in NBA history among coaches with at least 60 such games.

James, 40, is averaging 17.7 points, 8.7 assists, five rebounds and one steal in three games since returning. Last time he recorded 25 points, six rebounds and six assists in a 135–118 victory in the NBA Cup over the Los Angeles Clippers — a win that pushed the Lakers to 3–0 in West Group B, clinched a quarterfinal berth and extended their point differential to +36 atop the group.

The Lakers’ rush has also been boosted Austin Reaveswho is averaging 27.9 points, seven assists and 5.7 rebounds, and Luka Dončićwho continues to produce MVP-caliber 35.2 points, 9.2 assists and 8.8 rebounds per contest.

Los Angeles will now prepare for the long-awaited matchup on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks (5–14) at 10:00 PM ET on Prime Video — the team’s NBA Cup final group game. The meeting could mark the return of Anthony Davis, who has been sidelined since suffering a calf strain on Oct. 29. If he is released, Friday would be Davis’ first appearance at Cripto.com Arena since being traded from the Lakers last February, adding another layer of intrigue as both franchises move forward on dramatically different paths.