After a strong rookie season for Redick, the Lakers are already adjusting their staff — and Luka is at the center of it.
The Los Angeles Lakers may have exited the playoffs earlier than hoped, but the work toward next season has already begun — and it’s happening behind the scenes.
Following JJ Redick’s impressive first year as a rookie head coach, the Lakers have posted a public job listing for a head strength and conditioning coach — a rare move for a franchise of their stature.
According to the job description, the new hire will be responsible for motivating players and holding them accountable in the weight room.
The listed salary? Between $200,000 and $250,000 — a figure that raised plenty of eyebrows on NBA social media.
A Clear Focus: Getting Luka Doncic in Championship Shape
While the posting doesn’t explicitly mention it, many around the league are connecting the dots:
This move is largely about Luka Doncic.
Throughout his career, Luka has faced criticism — fairly or unfairly — about his conditioning.
Now, as the face of the Lakers franchise, there’s a new level of scrutiny and urgency around getting him into peak shape for a championship run.
Even Brian Windhorst noted that while it’s unusual for a team like the Lakers to post an open listing for such a key role, the organization operates differently — especially with Luka spending most of his summer overseas playing for the Slovenian national team in EuroBasket.
Some fans joked that “speaking Slovenian” should quietly be considered part of the job description, even if it wasn’t officially listed.
Fans React to the Lakers’ Move
The public posting and salary range sparked quick reactions online:
“They should just pay Bron to do it. His physique and sustainability are unmatched,” one fan joked.
“Should be a $250,000 bonus attached if they can get Luka into A+ shape,” another posted.
“That’s not enough money to live in LA — bro needs at least half a million,” another fan said.
“Luka PEAK SHAPE coming up!” one optimistic comment read.
Redick’s Impact and Luka’s Endorsement
Despite the first-round playoff exit, Redick’s coaching debut has been widely praised.
The Lakers finished third in the Western Conference during the regular season, and while they were outcoached and outplayed by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs, Redick’s system showed real promise.
More importantly, he’s earned the trust of Luka Doncic — arguably the most important endorsement in the building.
“I think he’s a hell of a coach,” Luka said recently.
“Not many coaches do the stuff he did in his first year. I feel sometimes like I’m back in Europe a little bit, so I love it. We have a great bond. It’s been nothing but amazing with him as a coach.”
For the Lakers, posting a job listing might seem small — but it signals something big:
They’re all-in on getting Luka, and this roster, in championship shape for 2025.
