“He don’t want that,” Luka Doncic mocks JJ Redick for avoiding shooting competition as Lakers coach

Lakers star man Luka Doncic made an intriguing revelation regarding his head coach, JJ Redick, in a recent interview.

“He don’t want that,” Luka Doncic mocks JJ Redick for avoiding shooting competition as Lakers coach

Luka Doncic and JJ Redick

Luka Doncic has been one of the best additions to the Los Angeles Lakers this 2024-25 NBA season. Ever since he got traded to the Lakers, the mood in and around the franchise has uplifted. The Slovenian has provided the Lakers’ HC JJ Redick with much-needed firepower in the attack. Notably, Doncic sat down in a recent interview to discuss his head coach and their bond.

The Lakers star spoke about various topics regarding Redick, from his playing days in the NBA to his coaching at the Lakers. However, the one topic that caught the NBA community’s attention was their ‘playful banter’. Doncic claimed that Redick ‘still avoids’ having a shooting competition on the court now that he is a player, with Redick being his coach.

YouTube video

“
No, no, he don’t want that. He don’t want that.

Luka Doncic said

Doncic has swiftly emerged as the focal point of the Lakers’ hopes for the postseason. Due to his dominating on-court performances and his chemistry with Redick, there is increasing discussion regarding a larger story. One that would see Doncic becoming the franchise’s superstar if he is not already. But that would need something special from the Slovenian in the postseason.

Doncic knows what it will take to go all the way in the NBA Playoffs. He boasts an amazing resume as an NBA player. There’s a good chance that the NBA as a whole, not just in Los Angeles, will see a change of leadership if Doncic truly goes crazy this postseason.

In addition, his HC, JJ Redick, has made things clear regarding Doncic’s role in the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He expects his star to be the main leader against the Wolves despite having the likes of LeBron James and Austin Reaves.

JJ Redick’s ‘leaning’ on Luka Doncic for the first-round NBA Playoffs against the Timberwolves

The Lakers finished as the 3rd Seed in the Western Conference under the leadership of JJ Redick. However, the main phase of the league has just begun, with the Lakers playing against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Notably, Redick sat down with the reporters lately and opened up on his plans to use Luka Doncic against the Timberwolves.

There are nuances to what teams are trying to do against certain opponents.

JJ Redick said

This statement comes about Doncic’s last year’s WCF Finals win against the Timberwolves. It’s safe to say that Redick will use Doncic as his main weapon in this series. When the Slovenian faced the Wolves in the Western Conference Finals last year, he destroyed them. But this time, he’s wearing a Lakers jersey rather than the Mavs blue.

Doncic finished with an incredible 36-point performance in Game 5 of last year, averaging 32.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. Redick is utilizing all of that since he is aware of how insightful Doncic’s advice will be.

Former NBA champion wants to see ‘more defending’ from Luka Doncic in the NBA Playoffs

One thing the Lakers’ star Luka Doncic gets criticized for in his overall game is his poor defending. The Slovenian is known for his ‘lazy defense’ throughout his NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks. Now, he has shown shades of that with the Lakers as well. Something that did not go unnoticed by former NBA champion Udonis Haslem. Regarding this, Haslem urged Doncic to improve his defense going into the playoffs.

Luka will have to guard somebody. At least try… You gotta try, bro. I’m looking at the teams ahead of you, there’s no where to hide. If you play OKC, there’s nowhere to hide… They’re gonna put his (expletive) in action. He’s gonna have to guard. You have to (expletive) guard

Udonis Haslem said

Haslem gave the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Denver Nuggets as examples of possible opponents with offensive threats that Doncic will need to lock up as best he can. According to Haslem, the effort is what matters, even if he doesn’t succeed.