Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic provided a playful reminder of his temporary previous with present head coach JJ Redick, turning a second of humor into a mirrored image of mutual respect.
Talking to reporters after a latest preseason sport, Doncic joked that he as soon as needed to “carry” Redick throughout their stint along with the Dallas Mavericks within the 2020-21 season, when the veteran sharpshooter was nearing retirement.
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Redick, who performed simply 13 video games for Dallas whereas coping with persistent accidents, averaged restricted minutes and introduced his retirement quickly after. Doncic’s light-hearted comment – “He could not transfer in any respect, so I needed to carry him large time” – was obtained as a good-natured nod to their shared historical past somewhat than a jab at his coach’s enjoying days.
The alternate added a contact of levity to what has turn out to be one of many NBA’s extra intriguing player-coach pairings. Redick, recognized for his basketball mind and easy communication, joined the Lakers workers earlier this 12 months.
His familiarity with Doncic from their Dallas tenure has supplied a uncommon continuity between a participant’s previous and current, laying the inspiration for a partnership that seems rooted in belief.
A mutual understanding constructed on respect
Redick’s strategy to teaching Doncic emphasizes permitting creativity whereas sustaining accountability. Following Doncic’s preseason debut, the coach described his star as “a little bit of a weirdo”, not as an insult, however as an acknowledgment of his eccentric and instinctive model of play.
Redick famous that Doncic’s potential to combine pleasure with competitiveness is what makes him distinctive, including that basketball should stay “enjoyable” for the 26-year-old if he’s to carry out at his greatest.
Redick’s feedback got here after Doncic showcased flashes of his previous self-playing freely, smiling, and exhibiting the aptitude that when outlined his years in Dallas.
The guard appeared extra relaxed following a turbulent transition to Los Angeles, the place a midseason commerce in 2024 initially left him struggling to adapt each on and off the courtroom.
Each males have acknowledged that sustaining open communication is central to their working relationship. Redick has stated he values direct dialogue with Doncic, whereas the star guard has praised his coach’s honesty and willingness to know his perspective.
Their prior interactions, notably throughout Doncic’s appearances on Redick’s podcast in 2022 and 2024, helped set up a way of familiarity that now interprets to the locker room.
The bond seems sturdy sufficient that Doncic has already spoken publicly about wanting Redick to stay his coach “for all times.” That sentiment, expressed throughout the Lakers’ media day, mirrored a rising confidence within the course of the franchise below Redick’s management.
For the Lakers, the pairing presents stability: a cerebral first-year coach snug managing a posh star, and a generational expertise responding nicely to construction with out shedding individuality.
Doncic’s playful jab could have been a second of humor, however it additionally symbolized a deeper understanding-one constructed on shared historical past, mutual respect, and a shared objective of restoring the Lakers to championship rivalry.
