JJ Redick Defends Luka Doncic Amid Criticism for Constant Complaining to NBA Referees

The Los Angeles Lakers, led by Luka Doncic, have been inconsistent since the turn of the year. After their loss to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, the Lakers took on the Indiana Pacers at the Crypto.com Arena on the second night of a back-to-back.

With no LeBron James in the lineup, the Lakers registered a convincing 128-117 victory over a struggling Pacers on Friday night. The win has put them just 0.5 games behind the Nuggets, who sit in sixth place in the Western Conference standings with a 38-25 record.

Meanwhile, the Pacers have now lost eight games in a row and find themselves at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

Since joining the Lakers at the trade deadline last year, Luka Doncic has been the focal point of this team as the Lakers’ front office prepares for life in the post-LeBron James era. The Lakers guard is currently averaging 32.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists in 51 appearances.

While Doncic is in the MVP conversations and is undoubtedly one of the most skilled players in the league, he is constantly nagging officials whenever calls do not go in his favor. It is something that has become more rampant this season, and several personalities have called him out for it in recent months.

Against the Nuggets, Doncic picked up his 15th technical foul of the season and is now one technical foul away from a one-game suspension. But the 27-year-old managed to avoid causing any drama on Saturday night.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who had a tense exchange with Doncic a few days ago, was asked about managing his star guard’s fiery competitive nature.

I would much rather have someone who is trying to go out every night and kill than someone you have to revive with a defibrillator every other day.

JJ Redick defends Luka when asked about managing his competitive fire towards the referees:

“I would much rather have someone who is trying to go out every night and kill than someone you have to revive with a defibrillator every other day.”pic.twitter.com/1RjCTPXNjs

— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) March 7, 2026

Doncic has been under harsh criticism for his incessant complaining to the referees. It has remained an issue for him for a while now, and he does not look like he will stop anytime soon.

Luka Doncic put on a show against Indiana Pacers

There is no doubting Luka Doncic’s talent and skillset as a player. He currently leads the league in scoring and is looking to add a second scoring title. The former Dallas Mavericks star had his tenth 40-point game of the season and became the fourth player in Lakers history to do so.

On Saturday night, with no James in the lineup, Doncic put on a show for the Lakers fans. He was on the zone from tip-off and went on to score 22 points in the first quarter. He scored a game-high 44 points to go along with nine rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks in under 32 minutes.

While Doncic’s chances of winning his maiden MVP award may not happen this season, he has shown that this is his team and he will carry the Lakers for years to come. He has kept the Lakers in contention for a direct playoff qualification.

However, despite being in the top six, many still do not view the Lakers as championship contenders this year. One of the main reasons is Doncic’s poor energy in defense. If the Lakers hope to have a deep postseason run, they will need more from their point guard on the defensive end of the floor.

It is impossible to plan for Luka Doncic

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle coached Luka Doncic for three seasons during their time in Dallas. Carlisle has coached some great players and helped the Mavs win their lone NBA championship in 2011. However, Carlisle went on to say Doncic is the best player he has ever coached and impossible to plan for, despite coaching the likes of Dirk Nowitzki.

When asked about Carlisle’s statements, Redick praised Doncic in his post-match press conference.

He can make every shot…He’s a shot maker. But he’s also a playmaker. He has done this for seven years and seen every coverage.

Before Luka Doncic scored 44 points against his team, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, who coached Luka for three seasons in Dallas, said Luka was "impossible to game plan for."

JJ Redick on why that's the case: "He can make every shot…He’s a shot maker. But he’s also a playmaker." pic.twitter.com/O7Flxpol7L

— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) March 7, 2026

The biggest positive from the game would be Doncic’s contribution in defense, as he recorded three steals and two blocks. The Lakers are scheduled to take on the New York Knicks at home on March 8.

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