Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic offered a playful reminder of his brief past with current head coach JJ Redick, turning a moment of humor into a reflection of mutual respect.
Speaking to reporters after a recent preseason game, Doncic joked that he once had to “carry” Redick during their stint together with the Dallas Mavericks in the 2020-21 season, when the veteran sharpshooter was nearing retirement.
Redick, who played just 13 games for Dallas while dealing with persistent injuries, averaged limited minutes and announced his retirement soon after. Doncic’s light-hearted remark – “He couldn’t move at all, so I had to carry him big time” – was received as a good-natured nod to their shared history rather than a jab at his coach’s playing days.
The exchange added a touch of levity to what has become one of the NBA’s more intriguing player-coach pairings. Redick, known for his basketball intellect and straightforward communication, joined the Lakers staff earlier this year.
His familiarity with Doncic from their Dallas tenure has provided a rare continuity between a player’s past and present, laying the foundation for a partnership that appears rooted in trust.
A mutual understanding built on respect
Redick’s approach to coaching Doncic emphasizes allowing creativity while maintaining accountability. Following Doncic’s preseason debut, the coach described his star as “a bit of a weirdo”, not as an insult, but as an acknowledgment of his eccentric and instinctive style of play.
Redick noted that Doncic’s ability to mix joy with competitiveness is what makes him exceptional, adding that basketball must remain “fun” for the 26-year-old if he is to perform at his best.
Redick’s comments came after Doncic showcased flashes of his old self-playing freely, smiling, and showing the flair that once defined his years in Dallas.
The guard appeared more relaxed following a turbulent transition to Los Angeles, where a midseason trade in 2024 initially left him struggling to adapt both on and off the court.
Both men have acknowledged that maintaining open communication is central to their working relationship. Redick has said he values direct dialogue with Doncic, while the star guard has praised his coach’s honesty and willingness to understand his perspective.
Their prior interactions, particularly during Doncic’s appearances on Redick’s podcast in 2022 and 2024, helped establish a sense of familiarity that now translates to the locker room.
The bond appears strong enough that Doncic has already spoken publicly about wanting Redick to remain his coach “for life.” That sentiment, expressed during the Lakers’ media day, reflected a growing confidence in the direction of the franchise under Redick’s leadership.
For the Lakers, the pairing offers balance: a cerebral first-year coach comfortable managing a complex star, and a generational talent responding well to structure without losing individuality.
Doncic’s playful jab may have been a moment of humor, but it also symbolized a deeper understanding-one built on shared history, mutual respect, and a shared goal of restoring the Lakers to championship contention.
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