ESPN CONFIRMED: Just Moments Ago, Los Angeles Lakers basketball Head Coach JJ Redick Steps Down Due to Significant Error Facing…..see more

Los Angeles, CA — October 22, 2025
In a stunning turn of events that has left the NBA world reeling, Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick has officially stepped down from his role, according to an ESPN report released just moments ago. Sources close to the organization say the decision came after internal meetings revealed a “significant and potentially season-altering error” that had put the team at risk both competitively and contractually.

Redick, who was appointed head coach of the Lakers in June 2024, following the firing of Darvin Ham, was brought in with high hopes and fanfare. A former NBA sharpshooter and respected basketball analyst, Redick was seen as the intellectual, modern leader to steer the storied franchise back to championship contention. However, barely 15 games into the 2025-26 season, Redick’s tenure has ended abruptly — and controversially.

The Error That Changed Everything

According to multiple league sources and internal team documents obtained by ESPN, the “significant error” cited in Redick’s resignation stems from what insiders are calling a “massive player rotation and eligibility blunder” during the first stretch of the season.

At the heart of the controversy is the Lakers’ use of two-way player Drew Pearson, a G-League call-up who was fielded for 12 games — 3 games beyond the league’s 9-game limit for two-way players without a standard NBA contract. The issue wasn’t discovered until an internal audit, triggered by a routine front-office review, revealed that Pearson’s contract had not been formally converted.

The mistake meant that every game Pearson participated in beyond the ninth was a violation of NBA roster rules. As a result, the Lakers may be facing forfeiture of up to three games, pending an investigation by the league office. Additionally, the franchise is reportedly under threat of financial penalties and possible draft sanctions.

“This isn’t just a clerical error,” one league executive told ESPN. “This is a systemic failure in how the team manages its player contracts. And unfortunately, the coaching staff — especially Redick — bears part of the blame for how minutes and eligibility were tracked.”

Redick Takes Responsibility

In a press conference held this morning outside the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, Redick appeared calm but visibly disappointed as he addressed the press.

> “I hold myself to the highest standard, and I’ve always believed that accountability is a cornerstone of leadership,” Redick began. “This team means everything to me, and it deserves someone who can lead it without distraction or misstep. While I was not solely responsible for the administrative oversight, as head coach, the buck stops with me. That’s why I’ve made the difficult decision to step down.”

Redick did not take questions but thanked Lakers management, the players, and the fans for their support during his brief tenure. “I’ll always be a part of the Lakers family,” he said, “but for now, I need to step away.”

Fallout in the Front Office

The resignation has ignited questions not only about Redick’s future but also about the overall competency of the Lakers’ front office. General Manager Rob Pelinka has not made a public statement, but sources say team governor Jeanie Buss is “furious” about the mistake and has called for an internal review of all basketball operations staff.

“This is not a small misstep,” one anonymous team insider said. “You have the head coach unknowingly violating league rules, and no one in the building flagged it. It’s embarrassing for an organization with 17 championships.”

While Pelinka is expected to retain his role for now, pressure is mounting. Some reports suggest that Jeanie Buss has already spoken with external consultants and former executives about conducting an independent audit of the basketball operations department.

Players React

The Lakers players, many of whom found out about Redick’s departure via social media alerts or group texts, expressed shock and disappointment.

LeBron James, who re-signed with the Lakers for one final season before expected retirement, reportedly had a close working relationship with Redick, who had once interviewed him extensively on his podcast The Old Man and The Three. In a tweet posted shortly after the announcement, LeBron wrote:

> “Man… tough day. JJ brought a new energy to this squad. Wishing him nothing but love and respect. We keep pushing.”

Anthony Davis, the team’s cornerstone big man, expressed frustration during a brief media scrum following practice.

> “It’s a gut punch. JJ was starting to find a rhythm with us. We were buying in. But now we’re back to square one. That’s on the organization to fix ASAP.”

Young players like Austin Reaves and Max Christie were reportedly stunned by the news, having formed bonds with Redick through intense film sessions and strategic planning during training camp.

Interim Coach Named

In the wake of Redick’s resignation, the Lakers announced that assistant coach Phil Handy will take over as interim head coach, effective immediately. Handy, known for his player development prowess and past championship experience with the Cavaliers and Raptors, brings veteran leadership to a team now searching for stability.

“We’re disappointed to lose JJ, but we respect his decision,” Handy said in a brief statement. “Right now, our focus is on staying locked in and continuing to compete at the highest level.”

What’s Next for JJ Redick?

The resignation has reignited speculation about Redick’s future in basketball. Prior to his coaching stint, he was one of ESPN’s most popular analysts and podcast hosts. There’s already chatter that he may return to media — possibly as early as the 2026 playoffs.

However, some close to Redick believe he’s not done coaching just yet.

“He’s a student of the game,” one source close to Redick told ESPN. “He’ll take this as a learning experience. Don’t be surprised if he’s back on the sidelines in a year or two — smarter, sharper, and more prepared.”

League Reaction

The NBA league office has yet to issue a formal ruling on the Lakers’ use of Drew Pearson, but an investigation is underway. League insiders expect a ruling within the next 7-10 days. If the Lakers are forced to forfeit games, it could have major implications in the tightly contested Western Conference.

“It’s a nightmare scenario,” one Western Conference GM said. “A coach stepping down is bad enough, but if the team loses games or picks over it — that’s a disaster for a franchise like the Lakers.”

Final Thoughts

JJ Redick’s coaching tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers was short, intense, and ultimately derailed by a mistake that might have been avoided with better oversight. Whether the blame lies entirely on his shoulders or is shared by the front office remains a question for the league — and history — to decide.

What’s clear is that the Lakers are once again facing instability, and with LeBron James in what might be his final season, time is running out to fix it.

As one fan tweeted shortly after the news broke:

> “Only the Lakers could hire a podcast host, get everyone hyped, and then blow it over a paperwork error. Unreal.”

Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to develop.

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