JJ Redick Praises Luka Doncic and LeBron James for Embracing Off-Ball Roles
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Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said he was encouraged by the way Luka Doncic and LeBron James operated away from the ball during the club’s recent victory over the Utah Jazz, a game in which Los Angeles posted a season-high 143 points.
“We didn’t necessarily run a ton of pick-and-roll,” Redick told reporters, according to the Southern California News Group. “It was a lot of off-ball stuff. Luka being live on some actions where he started off the ball and then made plays once he got it was awesome.”
Questions about fit surfaced when Doncic joined James and Austin Reaves, all three being accustomed to initiating offense. Redick acknowledged that integrating the trio remains a work in progress, especially with injuries limiting their shared minutes, but he applauded their willingness to adjust.
“Part of the struggle as a coach is getting guys to buy into doing something they’re not comfortable with,” Redick said. “On Thursday, especially Luka and LeBron, they really bought into the off-ball stuff. We milked a couple of plays over and over, and they ended up with open shots or drives. Getting those guys to buy in has been good.”
James, 40, has enjoyed a lighter workload as Doncic takes on a larger share of the offense. That balance was evident when Doncic delivered a 45-point triple-double earlier this season—a performance James said did not surprise him given Doncic’s talent.
The Lakers continue to tinker with lineups while waiting for their “Big Three” to log more consistent minutes together. Redick said the team will keep refining an offense that leverages both on-ball creativity and off-ball movement.
Source: LakersNation.com
