JJ Redick and the Lakers had just wrapped up a road trip they’d probably rather forget—four games, four losses, and a roster that looked more like a patchwork lineup than a competitive squad. Without LeBron James and other key pieces, they never really stood a chance. Now, back in LA and reinforcements in the mix, they once again look good.
The Lakers picked up a much-needed win as the Lakers’ rookie head coach, snapping their four-game skid with a 107-96 victory over the Suns at Crypto.com Arena. Luka Dončić took charge, dropping 33 points while adding 11 boards and eight dimes to get LA back on track.
But what stood out most to the rookie head coach wasn’t just the win—it was how his team responded after a grueling stretch.
Redick admitted he was stunned by the Lakers’ energy level, given the circumstances. “It is very abnormal for a team to come back from an East Coast trip and, that next game a day after the trip, come out with more energy than the other team. And play harder than the other team,” he said postgame.
The team had every reason to be drained after a hard fought battle without their star duo, resulted in a loss against the Nuggets on Friday night, but they flipped the script instead. “Our locker room—that was dispiriting to lose that game. It was disheartening,” Redick revealed. “And our guys, to come back with an early start and be the harder playing team from the beginning… That, to me, says everything about our group.”
Mar 10, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) high fives head coach JJ Redick during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Lakers also had to adjust to a completely different style of play compared to their recent loss against the Nuggets. “This was such a different game than anything we played recently, and it was particularly like polar opposites of the Denver game,” Redick explained. “In terms of game plan, in terms of what we were trying to get offensively, it was just two very different games.”
Redick credited Dončić and Jaxson Hayes for making an impact but remained in disbelief over how the entire squad regrouped. “Coming off four losses, our group was phenomenal.”
For a team that had every reason to come out sluggish, the Lakers defied expectations and played with intensity from the jump. Redick’s reaction says it all—this wasn’t just a much-needed win, it was an effort that left even the head coach in awe.
This is a developing story…
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