JJ Redick Commends Lakers’ Fast Start in Win Over Pelicans
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The Los Angeles Lakers halted a two-game slide on Nov. 14, 2025, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Head coach JJ Redick said the club’s sharp opening stretches in both halves made the difference in the first game of a back-to-back set.
Los Angeles entered the five-game trip with a 4-0 road mark but had stumbled against the short-handed Atlanta Hawks and the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. With only the Milwaukee Bucks remaining on the itinerary, Redick emphasized the need to “set the tone” early in New Orleans—and his team responded.
“We finally started a game the right way on this trip,” Redick said after the contest. He noted the matchup grew physical down the stretch but added he was “proud of our group” for maintaining composure and producing “a much better defensive game.”
The Lakers recorded 28 assists, and Redick highlighted the playmaking of Austin and Luka, who combined for 19 dimes. He also praised DA’s all-around performance.
The victory moved Los Angeles to 1-2 on the swing, keeping alive the possibility of finishing 3-2 before returning home. The Lakers struggled away from Crypto.com Arena last season, and Redick believes an above-.500 record on their first extended trip could provide early momentum.
Ahead of the matchup, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch delivered a light-hearted poke at Redick’s media past, joking that hosting a popular podcast qualified him for the Lakers job. Finch served as an assistant when Redick played for the Pelicans, and the comment was viewed as playful banter between former colleagues.
Source: LakersNation.com
