The 2025 NBA Preseason has already tested the patience of the Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who is sending a pointed warning to his squad, including LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
After Tuesday’s 1-3 start following a loss to the Phoenix Suns at the Mortgage Matchup Center, Redick made it clear that flashes of individual brilliance won’t compensate for inconsistent execution across the roster.
It’s message aimed squarely at the team’s marquee players as Tuesday also marked the preseason debuts for Doncic and Marcus Smart, who showed sparks during the first half on October 14.
Doncic’s court vision and creative passing were on full display, threading balls through defenders with ease, while Smart contributed defensively and energetically but recorded only a single assist.
The combination highlighted both potential and the need for greater cohesion, especially for Redick’s high-profile duo and when asked about balancing the positives from the first half with the breakdowns in the second, Redick stressed the importance of consistent habits.
“It’s very simple, actually. We’re trying to form consistent habits,” Redick said. “And if you’re trying to do that, that means everybody.
“It doesn’t mean three guys – everybody doing that. There were some really good things we did tonight on both ends of the floor.
“There were some possessions in the first half where we were able to execute multiple square-to-reds, multiple pick-and-rolls, and finish with a blockout.
“But if you want to be a good team, you have to do it every single time.”
The coach’s remarks underline the challenge ahead: ensuring James, Doncic, and the entire squad sustain focus from start to finish as the Suns capitalized on the Lakers’ lapses, shooting 47-of-102 from the field and 38.1% from three, recording 27 assists and forcing 18 fouls.
Phoenix converted 12 steals into fast-break points and scored 52 in the paint, exposing defensive gaps.
Redick’s message is unmistakable: individual talent alone won’t carry the Lakers, and both LeBron and Luka must elevate their consistency if the team hopes to compete in the regular season.
J.J. Redick reacts to Doncic showing vs Suns
For Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart, Tuesday’s contest served as a debut filled with both promise and frustration. Smart, in his first preseason appearance, displayed his trademark defensive energy but managed only one assist.
Doncic, on the other hand, showcased flashes of brilliance with creative passing and control. Yet the chemistry between Doncic and new teammate Deandre Ayton remains a work in progress, something Redick was quick to acknowledge.
“Luka did some good things,” Redick said. “I said at halftime to you, he had two opportunities to score right at the rim in the first half and tried to make the pass to DA for the lob.
“I think it’s just the first time trying to work that partnership. But I like what I saw from him, and I like what I saw from Marcus.”
His remarks reflected a blend of critique and confidence, hinting that the preseason is as much about building habits as it is about results.
Doncic’s debut numbers were impressive – 25 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in limited minutes as he connected on signature one-legged jumpers and threaded passes that reminded fans of his EuroBasket dominance earlier in the summer.
Whilst Smart’s defensive communication and floor spacing gave the team early balance, but the group’s lack of second-half focus erased much of their progress so JJ Redick’s message extended beyond tactical errors.
His comments were a direct challenge to his stars, including LeBron James and Luka Doncic, to set the tone with consistency. Redick, known for his analytical mind and structured approach, has emphasized accountability across all rotations.
The preseason record may not matter in standings, but for the Lakers’ coach, the habits formed now will dictate how far the team can go once the real games begin.
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