After playing 13 games for the Dallas Mavericks following a trade at the 2021 NBA trade deadline, JJ Redick has now, almost four years later, taken up the role of head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, where he will be coaching his former teammate, the star player Luka Dončić.
Shortly after the surprising trade that brought Dončić from Dallas to Los Angeles just before the NBA’s February 6 deadline, Dončić humorously commented on Redick during a press conference in an effort to ease the transition. Their close relationship was previously highlighted during Dončić’s participation in Redick’s podcast, The Old Man and the Three, which was prior to Redick’s appointment as Lakers coach. At his first press event with the Lakers, Dončić playfully noted that appearing on podcasts isn’t typical for him, indicating his special regard for Redick.
Before the Lakers’ game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Redick discussed Dončić’s recent move and their bond.
“Luka and I shared a team and mutual respect,” Redick explained to the media, citing a source from The Athletic. “Now, we need to establish a professional coach-player relationship. It’s different from just appearing on a podcast together. Both of us are dedicated to making it work. … Knowing each other as we do provides a solid foundation to build on.”
“The advantage is that Luka knows my methods well, which certainly helps us start off on the right foot,” Redick added.
JJ Redick on the Luka Doncic trade and his relationship with Doncic: pic.twitter.com/2N6nldGOo8
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) February 5, 2025
Dončić, who has been recovering from a calf injury since Christmas Day, is expected to make his debut with the Lakers in the coming week, according to a report from ESPN.
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