Regarding Lakers head coach JJ Redick, Luka Doncic expresses his feelings clearly.

Luka Dončić, the young basketball prodigy who has quickly become one of the NBA’s brightest stars, is no stranger to the spotlight. Known for his dynamic playing style, incredible basketball IQ, and penchant for delivering clutch performances, Dončić has already established himself as one of the most exciting players of his generation. While much of the focus is naturally placed on his individual performance, his interactions with coaches, teammates, and rivals have also been a point of interest among fans and analysts alike.

In recent news, Dončić’s comments about the Los Angeles Lakers’ new head coach, JJ Redick, have garnered significant attention. While the transition of Redick from a player to a coach is notable in itself, the perspective offered by Dončić—who has shared his thoughts on Redick’s coaching style and approach—provides valuable insight into the dynamics of player-coach relationships in the modern NBA.

The Relationship Between Luka Dončić and JJ Redick

Before delving into Dončić’s thoughts on Redick’s coaching, it’s essential to understand the relationship between the two. Dončić and Redick were not teammates during Redick’s playing career, as Redick retired from professional basketball in 2021, a few years before Dončić entered his prime. However, Redick’s reputation as a sharp-shooting guard, a leader on the court, and a basketball mind was well known to Dončić, who grew up watching the NBA as a young player in Europe. The relationship between them, therefore, was built more on mutual respect and understanding of the game than personal interaction.

Redick’s appointment as the Lakers’ head coach came as a surprise to many. Known primarily for his prowess as a player, Redick had only a short stint in broadcasting following his retirement, yet his basketball acumen made him an attractive candidate for the head coach role. His ability to articulate complex basketball concepts, as well as his passion for the game, quickly earned him the respect of players and analysts alike.

Dončić’s Opinion on Redick’s Coaching Style

When asked about Redick’s hiring as the Lakers’ head coach, Dončić expressed his admiration for the former player’s basketball IQ and work ethic. In an interview following a Mavericks game, Dončić gave a candid response when questioned about Redick’s transition to coaching, saying, “JJ was always a guy you knew understood the game. His shot, his leadership, the way he approached each possession—it was something I always respected. As a coach, I think he’ll bring a lot of that same intensity and focus.”

This comment reflected Dončić’s recognition of Redick’s basketball acumen. Throughout his career, Redick was known as one of the league’s most intelligent and disciplined players, constantly working on his craft, particularly his shooting, and bringing a relentless work ethic to the court. For Dončić, a player who values both intelligence and skill, Redick’s coaching style likely resonates with his own approach to the game.

Dončić also touched on Redick’s ability to communicate with players, a quality that has become an essential part of coaching in the modern NBA. “He’s going to be someone who talks to the guys, who understands each player’s game, and who can break down complex ideas into simple instructions,” Dončić said. This ability to connect with players and tailor strategies to their individual strengths is a trait that many coaches struggle to master. The fact that Dončić—who is known for his strong personal connection with his coaches—would express confidence in Redick’s ability to do this speaks volumes about the respect he holds for the former shooting guard’s coaching potential.

Redick’s Influence on Player Development

One of the key areas where Dončić’s respect for Redick shines through is in player development. As a young player who has already achieved so much in his NBA career, Dončić understands the importance of not just individual talent, but also the development of skills over time. This is particularly true for the younger players who may have more raw talent but lack the necessary refinement in their game to reach the highest level.

In this regard, Redick’s experience as a player who was known for his shooting ability—especially his elite three-point shooting—gives him a unique perspective when it comes to developing young talent. As a coach, Redick is likely to focus on fine-tuning the skills of his players, particularly shooting mechanics, decision-making, and overall basketball IQ. Dončić, who is already an exceptional passer and shooter for his size, may appreciate Redick’s emphasis on skill development and his ability to help players understand the nuances of spacing, timing, and shot selection.

“I think JJ can really help guys like that—players who want to be great at something but need that extra guidance to take the next step,” Dončić explained. “It’s one thing to have natural ability; it’s another to be able to harness it, and I think JJ is the kind of coach who will know how to help a player get there.”

This perspective is especially important in the context of a Lakers team that has seen some turnover in recent seasons. With new faces constantly entering the locker room, the Lakers will need a coach who can develop and maximize the potential of players across various stages of their careers. Dončić’s belief that Redick will be able to help guide this process is a strong endorsement of the new Lakers head coach’s ability to build a team and nurture talent.

Luka’s Appreciation for Redick’s Leadership

While Dončić is an individual talent in his own right, he has also demonstrated the leadership qualities required to guide a team toward success. As the face of the Dallas Mavericks, Dončić’s leadership on and off the court has been lauded, with his ability to elevate his teammates and make those around him better a central aspect of his game. Dončić has often spoken about the importance of communication and mutual respect between players and coaches in building a strong team dynamic.

In Redick, Dončić sees a leader who exemplifies these same qualities. “JJ was always a guy who would speak up in the locker room and lead by example,” Dončić said. “You could see how much he cared about his teammates and the game. That’s what you need in a coach—someone who doesn’t just tell you what to do but shows you by example.”

Redick’s leadership as a player was evident throughout his career, particularly during his time with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers. Known for his vocal presence on the court and in the locker room, Redick was able to unite players from various backgrounds and help create a winning culture. His leadership style as a coach, according to Dončić, will likely be characterized by his ability to motivate players and hold them accountable while maintaining an atmosphere of mutual respect.

For a team like the Lakers, which is often under intense media scrutiny, the ability to foster a positive and cohesive environment is essential. Dončić’s confidence in Redick’s leadership abilities suggests that he believes the new head coach will be able to manage the high expectations and diverse personalities in the Lakers’ locker room.

Dončić’s Vision for the Lakers Under Redick’s Leadership

While Dončić himself will not be playing for Redick—given his current position with the Mavericks—the Slovenian superstar offered his thoughts on what the Lakers might look like under Redick’s leadership. “I think the Lakers are going to be a team that is focused, disciplined, and will play smart basketball,” Dončić said. “JJ is a smart guy, and I think that’s going to translate into how the team plays. You’ll see a lot of movement, a lot of passing, and an emphasis on good shot selection.”

For Dončić, the modern NBA is as much about strategy and teamwork as it is about individual talent. As someone who thrives in a system that encourages ball movement and creates opportunities for his teammates, Dončić’s comments suggest that he expects Redick to implement a coaching style that promotes collective play. This would likely involve designing offensive schemes that emphasize spacing, quick decision-making, and finding the best shot at every possession.

On the defensive side of the ball, Dončić’s confidence in Redick extends as well. While Redick was not known as a defensive powerhouse during his playing days, his understanding of the game’s intricacies and his ability to communicate effectively could translate into a strong defensive system for the Lakers. Dončić hinted at this in his comments, noting that Redick’s attention to detail and his understanding of defensive rotations could be a significant asset for the team.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for the Lakers?

Luka Dončić’s clear and thoughtful assessment of JJ Redick’s coaching abilities offers a glimpse into the promising future of the Los Angeles Lakers under their new head coach. Dončić’s praise for Redick’s basketball intelligence, leadership qualities, and focus on player development paints a picture of a team that could thrive under his guidance. While much of the attention in Los Angeles is rightfully focused on the star players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Redick’s ability to connect with players and create a cohesive, disciplined team could be the factor that elevates the Lakers to new heights.

For Dončić, his respect for Redick as both a player and a coach reflects the qualities that he values in the game—intelligence, leadership, and a commitment to improvement. With the Lakers now under Redick’s tutelage, it will be fascinating to see how his coaching philosophy takes shape and whether it can lead the Lakers back to championship contention.