The Los Angeles Lakers may have been swept out of the Western Conference semifinals by the Oklahoma City Thunder, but head coach JJ Redick made one thing crystal clear at Tuesday's end-of-season press conference: he wants the team's superstar trio to run it back.

"Of course we want that core to be back together," Redick told the media, referring to Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James. The statement comes as the Lakers face a pivotal offseason, with several key players—including James, Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard, and Jaxson Hayes—set to become free agents at the end of June. Austin Reaves is also widely expected to opt out of his contract and test the market, while guards Marcus Smart and center Deandre Ayton hold similar options. Translation? The Lakers' opening-night roster in October could look dramatically different from the one that just exited the playoffs.

But Redick is betting on continuity. "I think Rob [Pelinka] used the word humility. Each guy, I think, had to sacrifice at different points in the season," he explained. "I also think for all three of those guys, and it's crazy to say it about LeBron, but all three of those guys showed a lot of growth this year."

Redick singled out Doncic's evolution, both physically and as a leader. "A lot has been made about Luka's fitness level and his dedication to that. He was great throughout the season, still in fantastic shape six weeks after an injury. But he's also grown as a leader. I think that was one of the challenges coming into the season that we presented him with." He also praised Reaves' development and highlighted James' rare willingness to adapt in his 23rd season. "LeBron, not even having to, but being challenged to and volunteering to, accept a different role in Year 23. That is incredible."

The trio's chemistry was on full display during a blistering 16-2 stretch that had the basketball world buzzing. "It showed what this group can do," Redick said.

When the season tipped off in October, there were legitimate questions about whether Doncic, Reaves, and James could coexist on both ends of the floor—especially given that Doncic had only played fewer than 20 games with the team. But after a full season of growing pains and highlights, Redick is convinced the foundation is worth building on. For Lakers fans, that's a signal that the team's front office may prioritize keeping this core together, even as the summer's free agency drama looms.