Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers)
October 2025
In LeBron’s injury absence, Dončić became the fourth ever to begin a season with consecutive 40-point games, totaling 92 points, 23 rebounds, 17 assists over two wins. Redick admitted trying to “get him 50.” Dončić joked his celebratory shimmy needs work, but conditioning, pace control, and inclusive passing fueled an explosive, confidence-building start.
LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
October 2025
Out with sciatica, James drove a pointed film session after a 119–109 loss to Golden State—pressing on 20 turnovers and open threes conceded. Redick endorsed constant player-coach dialogue as the Lakers target cleaner decision-making without their floor general. Emphasis areas: early offense spacing, tighter weak-side tags, simplified coverages versus split cuts, and turnover hygiene. Luka Dončić’s 43-12-9 was a positive; the groin tweak was treated and participation resumed, with optimism for short-term availability.
Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers)
October 2025
Dončić will make his Lakers preseason debut Tuesday versus Phoenix after resting from EuroBasket duty. JJ Redick confirmed a minutes ramp-up plan as LeBron James remains out with sciatica. Marcus Smart will also debut.
Redick said rotations are still being tested ahead of the opener against Golden State. Dončić’s early chemistry with Smart and Ayton will be key to offset LeBron’s absence in the first two to three weeks of the season.
JJ Redick (Los Angeles Lakers)
October 2025
Redick blasted his team’s transition defense as “dogsh*t” after preseason losses to the Suns and Warriors. The new coach expressed disappointment over his players’ communication and effort, despite acknowledging preseason is for building rhythm and structure.
Redick demanded “run, talk, compete” as daily habits, urging a “championship mindset” from LeBron James and Luka Doncic. He cited Nick Saban’s “Don’t tell me, show me” philosophy, stressing that success requires discipline, consistency, and accountability from all roster members.
JJ Redick (Los Angeles Lakers)
May 2025 (Postseason Exit)
Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the need for better offseason conditioning after a 4-1 first-round loss to Minnesota, citing poor fourth-quarter performances as a key issue.
Redick said some players lacked championship-level fitness and GM Rob Pelinka highlighted the lack of size post-Doncic trade, promising to add a center. Pelinka also reaffirmed commitment to LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves.
JJ Redick (Los Angeles Lakers)
April 2025 (Game 2, First-Round Playoffs)
JJ Redick stormed onto the court to call a fiery timeout, rallying the Lakers to a 94-85 win that tied the series 1-1.
Redick’s emotional outburst reset the team’s focus, triggering a 9-0 run. Los Angeles responded with tougher defense and key stops to close out the win.
