During his exit interview in the spring, Lakers head coach JJ Redick made a pointed comment that many interpreted in a very specific kind of way.

Following their playoff exit and amid all the noise that followed Luka Dončić’s exit from Dallas, Redick spoke about the need for the Lakers to get into “championship shape.” As much as that felt like a not-too-subtle jab at Luka, it also ended up serving as a driving force for the Lakers this summer.

Nearly five months removed from those initial comments, Redick returned to the proverbial podium for his media day presser with President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka — who also announced a contract extension for Redick — and the phrase “championship shape” was oft-mentioned.

“We’ve asked all our guys to be in championship shape and not s

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