Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick believes the organization must give Luka Doncic freedom to improvise if it wants to unlock the star guard’s full offensive potential.
Redick’s comments came after the Lakers’ 129-118 win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night, Jan. 26, 2026, at United Center. During the game, Doncic delivered several highlight passes and tough shots while navigating Chicago’s defense.
“It’s similar to some of the heat checks,” Redick said on Spectrum SportsNet. “He’s an engine that’s fully on and he likes to create out there. That’s part of what makes him a great player… You have to be willing to live with some of the stuff that he tries because more often than not you’re going to get a great result.”
Doncic, listed at 6-foot-7, often sees over multiple layers of defense and mixes conventional reads with no-look assists that can surprise opponents—and sometimes his own teammates. Redick acknowledged those risks but said the payoff usually outweighs occasional turnovers or rushed shots.
Western Conference Player of the Week
The NBA named Doncic the Western Conference Player of the Week for games played Jan. 19–25. Over three contests, he averaged 34.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 9.7 assists and 2.0 steals, helping Los Angeles post a 2-1 record.
Los Angeles remains a work in progress under Redick, yet the coach reiterated that embracing Doncic’s creativity is essential to the team’s long-term success.
Source: LakersNation.com
