Overview
- NBA Communications released the Coach of the Year balloting on May 26–27, 2026, showing JJ Redick tied for seventh after receiving three third-place votes and no first- or second-place votes.
- Redick led the Lakers to a 53-29 regular season, a Pacific Division title and a fourth-place finish in the Western Conference despite major absences that included LeBron James (60 games), Austin Reaves (51 games) and Luka Dončić (64 games).
- Los Angeles beat the Houston Rockets in six games in the first round of the playoffs and was eliminated by the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.
- The organization extended Redick’s contract before the 2025–26 season and public statements from team leaders have praised his culture-building and leadership while Redick himself said the roster ‘is not good enough right now’ and that changes are likely.
- Voters on the 100-member media panel tended to reward clear overachievement stories this year, so Redick’s placement is modest external validation that nonetheless leaves the Lakers facing roster decisions this offseason if they want to move from regular-season success to title contention.