Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick expressed strong confidence that the team, recently reassembled with new talent, is positioned to compete for an NBA championship this season. Speaking ahead of Wednesday night’s regular-season opener against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena, Redick emphasized the high expectations ingrained within the organization.

The Lakers, a franchise with a storied history including 17 NBA titles—the second most in league history—last secured a championship in 2020. Redick suggested that championship aspirations are a constant for the club, noting that such confidence underpins the team’s approach every season.

“I think every season,” Redick said, when asked about his belief in the team’s title chances, “Unless somebody blatantly tells me that we’re not trying to win, I think that every year.” He recalled expressing similar optimism last year, even amid early struggles, and credited the team’s eventual adjustments for turning the season around in its latter months.

While the roster underwent significant changes during the offseason, with a focus on combining experienced players and emerging talent, Redick maintained that this mix has created a group capable of challenging the league’s top contenders. His belief stems from the culture and standards Long established by the Lakers organization, which aim to sustain a winning mindset and deliver results consistent with its championship pedigree.

As the Lakers embark on the new campaign, all eyes will be on how quickly the reconfigured team can gel and return to the form that brought them their most recent championship. The opening game against Golden State serves not only as a test of their readiness but also sets the tone for a season in which expectations remain high.