is LeBron James unhappy with the Los Angeles Lakers? JJ Redick certainly does not appear to be under that impression.
The chatter about James' growing discontentment surfaced on a recent episode of Buha's Block (h/t Lakes Daily). The Lakers insider hosting the show did not deliver a glowing review of how the matter may looked from an onlookers' perspective.
Buha said, "The vibes with that situation have not been the best. ... I thought there were times just looking at the huddle or looking at the bench that he wasn’t as engaged as he typically is when he’s out. ... In the observations I made of the body language, was not great."
“Bron was really helpful.” JJ Redick describes the Lakers’ film session on Wednesday and the dialogue with LeBron James in the room helping identify the areas of improvement for the group. pic.twitter.com/KIUzId86sd
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 22, 2025
Redick quickly worked to quiet the noise. The Lakers head coach made it clear to the media that James has been heavily involved behind the scenes. LeBron was described as 'really helpful' in assisting on the film session following the loss to the Golden State Warriors on Opening Night, helping calm the concerns around his perceived inactivity during the actual game itself.
JJ Redick quickly moving to eliminate potential LeBron James distraction
It should still be fresh enough in everyone's mind to recall just how loud things were during the offseason in Los Angeles when there was rumored discontent from LeBron and his party. Things quickly reached a fever pitch when Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne teamed up for an inside look for the Lakers' transition from the James era to the Luka Doncic one.
However, that report quickly received backtracking regarding crucial information within it. That immediately raised doubt as to how much truth there was to these rumors.
Dan Woike of The Athletic put the biggest nail in the coffin that he could find to the chatter with his own report on the situation. The anxiety of all those in Los Angeles hoping to not see a premature end to James' time with the Lakers calmed.
The speculation about where one of the greatest players of all time finishes his career will remain persistent to some capacity. Until the Lakers have a definitive plan to upgrade the running mate beside Doncic in place, there should be no rush for them to want James gone.
Redick is doing his best to not let the whispers around James become screams. Being forced to navigate the early parts of the new season without their superstar is hard enough as it is. Accomplishing that task while fielding questions about his desire to be there would create a dark cloud that no one wants in Los Angeles.